The Smarter Testing project aims to develop a novel testing and certification process for aeronautical structures through the use of an optimised test campaign that will combine virtual and physical tests to provide a step reduction in development lead-time and costs. This will be achieved through the development of a continuous digital thread between virtual and physical tests to increase the use of simulations that supports the whole lifecycle of the product, from early design to type-certification. Simulations will be validated using advanced measurements, quantitative data correlation methods and exploited through data analytics in order to increase credibility and maturity.