Elbit Systems of America will provide the hardware, software, and technical expertise to operate the training and simulation environment. In turn, Metropolitan State will provide the facilities and expert instructors. The training programme and Cyber Range is expected to commence training in the spring of 2018.

With reports of cyber-attacks on the rise and the demand for highly-qualified cyber security professionals greater than ever, Elbit Systems of America and Metropolitan State are addressing the challenges of accelerating the certification of new cyber security experts.

“We’re pleased to partner with Metropolitan State to bring advanced training and simulation capabilities into the University’s respected cyber lab,” commented Raanan Horowitz, president and Chief Executive Officer of Elbit Systems of America. “Trainees will benefit from unique and realistic simulation to support their certification and, ultimately, allow them to focus on keeping America’s infrastructures and businesses safe when they enter the workforce.”

“I am very pleased to launch the partnership with Elbit Systems of America. This agreement brings a cutting edge cyber security simulation-based training centre to Metropolitan State University and to the State of Minnesota,” said Virginia Arthur, President of Metropolitan State University. “The new Cyber Range training facility, with its advanced cyber security curriculum, combined with Metropolitan State’s business, education and government partnerships will effectively help to ensure that many more Minnesotans are fully prepared to meet the demands of 21st-century jobs. We are proud that through our work with Elbit Systems of America, we will position the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities and the state of Minnesota to become a national centre of excellence in cyber security education and practice.”