Ukrainian Forces Embrace Virtual Reality for Combat Training
In a significant shift towards modern warfare preparation, Ukrainian servicemen are now actively engaging in virtual reality (VR) training to enhance their combat readiness. The cutting-edge simulators, developed by Ukrainian technology firm PSS by Logics7, are revolutionizing the way soldiers prepare for real-world scenarios, particularly in air defense.
During a recent visit to a training center in Kyiv, Business Insider observed Ukrainian forces utilizing these advanced VR simulators. The systems are designed to prepare soldiers for a variety of threats, including drones, missiles, and aircraft. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops have benefited from this innovative training approach.
The virtual training offers numerous advantages over traditional methods. It provides a cost-effective and expedited training process without the need for live ammunition. Additionally, it ensures a safer environment for soldiers, reducing the risk of Russian strikes on physical training grounds.
Igor Belov, the founder of PSS, envisions a future where military training is conducted entirely in virtual environments. The simulators closely mimic real weapons in appearance, weight, and tactile feedback, aiding in the development of crucial muscle memory.
Ukrainian soldiers are training on a range of weapons systems, including American-made .50-caliber M2 Browning machine guns and FIM-92 Stingers, as well as Soviet-era 9K38 Igla. The Browning machine guns are particularly vital for mobile air defense units countering Russian drones, while the Stinger and Igla systems are employed against aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
The VR training scenarios are highly customizable, allowing soldiers to experience various attack directions and challenging weather conditions. This versatility enhances their effectiveness in actual combat situations, a fact corroborated by Ukrainian soldiers who have used the system.
Vitaliy, a soldier in an anti-aircraft unit, noted the differences between simulation and real combat but emphasized the value of muscle memory gained through the training. He also highlighted the comparative ease of training on the Stinger due to its dual-targeting capability.
Beyond air defense, PSS provides training for a wide array of weapons systems, including drones, small arms, and anti-tank weapons like NLAW. The company currently offers its simulator service free of charge to the Ukrainian military and has plans to market the technology internationally.
As VR and augmented reality (AR) training gain traction among militaries worldwide, PSS aims to establish its system as a global standard for military training. Similar virtual training systems are already in use by American soldiers at facilities such as Fort Sill in Oklahoma, underscoring the growing importance of this technology in modern military preparation.
