As artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation technologies advance, military training is undergoing significant transformations, particularly in air forces worldwide. Recent projections indicate that annual US investments in simulation training are poised to exceed $26 billion by 2028, reflecting a robust growth trajectory in this sector. The shift towards synthetic environments allows personnel to hone their skills repeatedly and with minimal risk before engaging in real-world operations.
In the United Kingdom, the Royal Air Force (RAF) has recognised the benefits of simulation in training and has embraced it wholeheartedly. According to reports, in 2021, the RAF conducted approximately 50% of its training within simulated frameworks, aiming to raise this figure to 80% by 2040. Trainees currently partake in over 60 hours of preparation using synthetic systems, allowing them to refine their skills effectively before facing the complexities of actual flight.
The initiative is not confined to the UK; it resonates across Europe as well. NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE), which became operational in mid-November 2024, comprises 13 member nations, with expectations of more joining in 2025. This collaborative effort aims to enhance military flying training capacity by sharing resources and facilities among its members. Group Captain Ryan Morris, RAF, and NFTE Steering Board Chair, articulated this sentiment, stating, “We now have the framework and processes required to maximise the effectiveness and minimise the administrative burden when sharing training capacity between nations.”
The emergence of new technologies and the evolving nature of aerial warfare present challenges to these training methodologies. As the military grapples with the complexity introduced by autonomous systems, the need to find an optimal balance between traditional live training and simulated environments becomes paramount. Tristan Sauer, a defence analyst at GlobalData, highlighted the logistical and financial difficulties associated with live training, calling it “the most valuable and efficient” yet the most challenging to conduct.
Issues such as extended training backlogs have surfaced within the RAF, compounded by heightened demand for training due to recent global conflicts and challenges. The previous Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, articulated concerns regarding the persistent backlog following the COVID-19 pandemic, signalling a pressing need for innovative training solutions.
With synthetic training regarded as a potent remedy to some of these issues, the prospect of using simulations to replace aging aircraft, such as the Hawk T2, which is nearing the end of its service life by 2040, has been acknowledged. Discussions within the industry, including insights from Simon Barnes, group managing director air at BAE Systems, suggest that there will indeed be a transformation in the balance between live and synthetic flight training.
The advent of advanced data analytics through simulation technology is shifting the landscape further. Niall Campion, managing director at VRAI, noted, “The more data you have, the better your insights are going to be.” The RAF's collaboration with VRAI since 2020 has led to the collection of over 900 million data points from active-duty pilots, allowing a more profound understanding of British airmanship. However, a vast amount of potential insights has been lost over the past 30 years due to insufficient data capture protocols.
As air forces anticipate the challenges posed by sixth-generation air combat, the prospect of simulating these advancements remains complex and somewhat undefined. The UK’s investments in crewed-uncrewed teaming indicate a significant shift in how aerial warfare might be conducted in the future. Dr Al Allsop, a Combat Air and Synthetics SME at Inzpire, shared insights on this emerging technology, suggesting that training for crewed and uncrewed systems could commence in simulators before transitioning to live scenarios.
Research suggests that the integration of AI into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could necessitate a considerable increase in computing power within simulators. As simulation technology evolves, significant infrastructure developments, such as those observed at facilities like MBDA UK's Digital Battlespace Facility, show promise for the future of defence training. This facility leverages digital twin technology, allowing for a risk-free environment to develop and problem-solve across various weapon systems.
The fusion of synthetic training environments with AI and data analytics marks a pivotal moment in military aviation, suggesting a future where forces can engage in increasingly complex simulations to prepare for evolving combat scenarios effectively. As these technologies continue to take shape, they highlight the growing importance of data management, simulation sophistication, and strategic interoperability in modern military operations.
Source: Noah Wire Services