What is the current state of the digital-engineering (DE) tool landscape, with a focus on application to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)?

This report surveys the state of the current digital-engineering (DE) tool landscape, with specific emphasis on applications relevant to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The request originated from an inquiry seeking to understand the state of DE tools without disclosing personally identifiable information. The study excludes areas that have been heavily analyzed in prior literature, such as artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning and application life-cycle management, and instead focuses on a wide range of DE capabilities, including model-based systems engineering; modeling, simulation, and analysis; digital twin; and product life-cycle management. Sources for this research included generative AI platforms, vendor websites, and government documentation. The DoD is accelerating DE adoption, necessitating the development of DE ecosystems and tools that are both interoperable and accreditable for production use. A detailed taxonomy of capability groups is presented alongside a curated list of representative tool vendors and offerings. The report further outlines examples of integration that demonstrate emerging interoperability trends. This analysis aims to support organizations navigating the evolving DE landscape and evaluating solutions suitable for operational use within defense and mission-critical environments.