Army hunts for virtual reality simulators to train commandos

A latest army report has highlighted the lack of adequate infrastructure for training soldiers to enter buildings and clear rooms

The army is trying to get virtual reality simulators to sharpen the skills of its commandos involved in counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast.

An army report says it lacks adequate infrastructure for training soldiers in entering buildings and clearing rooms (AP File Photo)

A new army report has highlighted the lack of adequate infrastructure for training soldiers in entering buildings and clearing rooms-- scenarios they frequently encounter while conducting operations.

The militaries of the US and the UK use virtual reality training methods to help soldiers rehearse for missions in dangerous settings by simulating diverse combat situations.

The report prepared by the Army Design Bureau (ADB), headed by army deputy chief Lieutenant General Subrata Saha, has made a strong case for providing Special Forces (SF) units with “virtual reality based training simulators” to impart realistic training for “room intervention/urban warfare.” The simulators would have a variety of programmed training environments.

Lack of virtual reality training is one of problems identified by the ADB in its 72-page report titled Compendium of Problem Statements, Volume II (2017). The army is trying to find indigenous solutions to at least 78 problem areas – 28 listed in the new report and another 50 spelt out in an earlier volume.

The army has sought the help of the private sector to build the first prototype in two to three years. An initiative of the Modi government, the ADB has been tasked with promoting research and development and act as a bridge between the force and the private sector to meet the army’s requirements.

The report said the use of virtual simulators for training will allow instructors “to portray various permutations and combinations of situations and terrains as desired.”