Strategic Partnership Enhances Cyber Defense for Critical Infrastructure in the US and GCC

Strengthening Cyber Defense: A New Partnership in Action

In an era where cyber threats are evolving rapidly, a strategic partnership between SimSpace and Rilian Technologies emerges as a beacon of hope for governments and critical infrastructure operators. Announced on January 20, 2026, in both Boston and McLean, this collaboration aims to enhance cyber defense capabilities across the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

The Significance of the Partnership

SimSpace, renowned for its realistic and intelligent cyber range platform designed for elite cybersecurity organizations, joins forces with Rilian Technologies, a leader in cybersecurity and defense solutions. Together, they are set to introduce integrated training and testing capabilities. This initiative is pivotal, as it allows stakeholders in government and defense sectors to train, test, and validate their cyber defenses effectively amid an ever-evolving threat landscape powered by artificial intelligence.

The partnership empowers nations to prove their cyber readiness, thereby enhancing their defense strategies against potential threats. As Graham Westbrook, SimSpace's VP of International Markets, mentioned, “Agentic cyber defense demands an intelligent environment in which to train AI models, test AI agents, and validate agentic workflows.” This collaboration enables the use of realistic simulations, critical for decision-makers aiming to implement transformative AI technologies within their organizations.

What Each Company Brings to the Table

Rilian Technologies is at the forefront of creating a secure marketplace tailored for governments and critical infrastructure operators. Their Rilian Defense Platform is designed to eliminate hurdles related to adopting cutting-edge technologies, providing a strong framework for deploying and operating these advanced solutions at a national level.

Key features include an agentic command-and-control layer, automated compliance capabilities, and continuous mission rehearsal technology. This last element directly links training with testing and validation, ensuring that organizations can continually assess their technological readiness.

Christian Schnedler, CEO of Rilian Technologies, highlighted the importance of operationalizing modern cyber capabilities, stating, “Global security depends on how quickly and safely our partners can operationalize modern cyber and defense technology innovations.”

Real-World Application of Cyber Range Technology

The integration of SimSpace’s cyber range platform into the Rilian Defense Platform is designed to offer operators the tools they need to validate agentic workflows in environments that closely mimic real-world operations. This capability is crucial when attempting to meet the sovereign security and compliance needs of allied nations while promoting the adoption of modern cyber capabilities.

Furthermore, the partnership represents a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in cybersecurity—moving from an ‘assume breach’ mindset to one of preventive measures. The collaboration stands as a testament to the necessity for high-fidelity environments where AI agents can be challenged and trained, ensuring that they are both efficient and capable of detecting and mitigating threats before they become invasive.

Celebrating the Collaboration

To celebrate their new partnership, Schnedler, Westbrook, and Jason Rivera, SimSpace's Field Chief Information Security Officer, held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event in Dubai, showcasing the international reach and potential impact of this initiative. The partnership is expected not only to elevate cybersecurity capabilities but also to strengthen alliances internationally.

As the world navigates through an unprecedented digital transformation influenced by AI, the outlook for enhanced cyber defense measures becomes increasingly critical. This collaboration signals a proactive stance in not just improving existing measures but also adapting to future challenges in cyber landscapes.

For more information about this partnership and its implications for the future of cybersecurity, visit SimSpace's website and learn about how they are poised to contribute to national and allied security.