Future soldier
Training in the clouds A
While industry pushes the boundaries of simulation training, allies and partners need to adapt to changes at the technical level of sixth-generation warfare. John Hill reports.
s technology develops, more and more of training is taking place in simulated and synthetic environments, where personnel can improve on skills repeatedly for optimal performance, largely risk-free. For that reason, annual US investments in this market are forecast to exceed the $26bn mark in 2028 according to GlobalData’s figures. In particular, air forces are leaning on simulation for flying training. In 2021, the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) said it conducted around 50% of its training in a simulated environment and aimed to increase this to 80% by 2040. Currently, trainees spend more than 60 hours in synthetic training systems in preparation for real-world flight. There is a case for this globally, too. Nato Flight Training Europe (NFTE) reached full operating capability in mid-November 2024. This initiative – boasting 13 members, with more nations expected to join in 2025 – coordinates its shared facilities for military flying training across the continent for fast jet, transport, helicopter and remotely piloted air vehicles. Clearly, capacity is a growing issue that is beginning to be addressed.
“We now have the framework and processes required to maximise the effectiveness and minimise the administrative burden when sharing training capacity between nations,” assured Group Captain Ryan Morris, RAF, NFTE Steering Board Chair. However, military air training is becoming more complex in this decade as aerial warfare evolves, especially with the rise of autonomy. Therefore, more thought is needed to gauge the ideal balance between real-world and simulated training; the vital role that data plays; and how to accommodate the new hybrid force structure for sixth-generation tactical air combat.
Striking a balance
“Physical, live training is the most valuable and efficient, but it is always the hardest and most complex to do, logistically and financially,” suggested Tristan Sauer, GlobalData defence analyst.
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