Ukrainian Soldiers Train with Advanced Virtual Simulators
During a recent visit to a training facility in Kyiv, Business Insider discovered that Ukrainian soldiers are utilizing cutting-edge virtual simulators to prepare for combat. One soldier engaged in air defense training noted the effectiveness of the system in developing muscle memory.
The founder of the company behind these simulators envisions a future where training is conducted entirely in virtual environments.
Virtual Combat Experience
KYIV, Ukraine — On a serene, sunny day, the tranquility is suddenly shattered by the sound of Russian drones buzzing overhead. In rapid succession, additional drones appear, weaving through the sky as cruise missiles rocket above. This scenario is fast becoming an everyday challenge for Ukraine’s defenders, as they struggle to intercept every potentially deadly threat.
However, during Business Insider‘s visit, the looming Russian attack was merely a simulation, not an actual assault.
The training center in Kyiv employs highly immersive virtual reality tools, enabling Ukrainian forces from various military branches to prepare for confrontations with dangerous Russian assets such as drones, missiles, and aircraft.
The simulators are developed by the Ukrainian tech firm PSS by Logics7. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops have benefited from the systems to refine their combat techniques, aware that a failure to neutralize enemy threats can lead to dire consequences.
Refining Skills on the Browning Machine Gun
At the facility in Kyiv, soldiers belonging to a mobile air defense unit expressed to Business Insider how simulator training has enhanced their proficiency with the Browning machine gun.
Diving into the simulator experience, the reporter had the opportunity to engage with the Browning machine gun simulator. Initially, shooting down a few slow-moving Shahed drones flying on a predictable path proved manageable—success came by simply leading the targets slightly ahead to time the interception accurately.
However, as more drones swarmed in from varied angles, the situation grew increasingly complex. The addition of cruise missiles escalated the challenge, transforming the training scenario into an overwhelming assault.
PSS provides a wide array of training opportunities, allowing Ukrainian soldiers to practice with various weapons systems beyond air defense. These include drones, small arms, and anti-tank weapons like the Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW).
