Seeing the opportunities of a global market, Huntsville-based System Studies and Simulation established S3 International to complement and expand its services overseas.

As recognition of S3’s work on the international stage, the North Alabama International Trade Association awarded the company with the annual NAITA Global Trade Award.

The award was presented by NAITA President Daryl Davis to S³ CEO Jan Smith during the 43rd annual NAITA World Trade Day Celebration at the Jackson Center in Cummings Research Park. May is also World Trade Month.

“S³ has been a longtime participant and supporter of NAITA’s programs, such as the FMS Summit, which opens dialogue to valuable international opportunities,” said Conrad Bonner, director of international business for S³. “NAITA’s strategic orientation and collaboration make them an incredible catalyst, accelerating community growth for business, Huntsville, and Alabama year after year.”

Smith founded S3 in 1991 as a woman-owned business that evolved into a global leader of defense services.

Over the past 35 years, S3 has sustained growth by providing programmatic, technical, maintenance, and advanced flight and simulation training services to all branches of the U.S. military, as well as to allied and partner nations around the world.

Due to its growing international success, S3 established S3 International as a wholly owned subsidiary to lead international business.

S³ participates in the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia and in International Aviation Defense Shows worldwide. Company officials recently met with senior representatives from Denmark, Sweden, Poland, and Portugal.

The company supports eight Foreign Military Sales cases that include Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Mauritania, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE.

From 2013 to 2019, S³ was an aviation services subcontractor in Saudi Arabia whose team was later designated as the Ministry of National Guard’s sole-source contract award in 2023.

This month, S³ was on a similar winning contract team for the Royal Saudi Land Forces.

NAITA is pleased to recognize the important contributions that S³ has made and continues to make to our local, regional, and national economies.

S³ provides services and support to the U.S. military, government security agencies, partner nation militaries, and commercial customers.

NAITA is a business-driven trade organization committed to increasing knowledge, interest, and activity in international trade in North Alabama for more than 40 years.

The organization drives North Alabama’s success in the global economy by empowering businesses to connect, grow, and lead through international trade.

NAITA provides innovative education, strategic advocacy, and networking opportunities, enabling businesses to thrive in an interconnected and ever-changing marketplace.