VIRTUAL BATTLEFIELDS

Simulation-based training brings real-world environments to India’s modern military, points out VIJAY VIKRAM KULSHRESTHA

- VIJAY VIKRAM KULSHRESTHA

Today’s armed forces across the globe face an abundance of challenges as they work to keep their citizens safe and maintain their countries’ best interests. The same is true for the military forces of the Republic of India.

The changing landscape brought about by advancements in weapons and systems, along with the need for increased operational excellence in an environment of reduced budgets, continues to impact how today’s service members are trained. It is no longer cost-effective or safe to have armed forces train in real-world environments.

From a cost perspective, simulated training makes sense because it allows for more people to be trained at the same time. In addition, this type of training alleviates the need for using actual vehicles and equipment, which results in cost savings because fuel isn’t being burned and live munitions aren’t being dropped. This also has a secondary cost savings from maintenance that isn’t required for aircraft flight hours. Cost savings, along with the fact that simulated scenarios are conducted in a safer environment than on an actual training field, have led to simulation becoming a great alternative for military members not only in India, but around the world.