# Laser Technologies in Ukrainian Military Tactical Training

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/09/laser-technologies-in-ukrainian-military-tactical-training/
- Published: 2023-09-20T08:57:50+01:00
- Author: Military Africa

The Russia-Ukraine war is regarded as the most technologically advanced one humanity
has ever witnessed to date. The use of various military technology decisions, such
as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), satellites, electronic warfare systems, cyberattacks,
and advanced weaponry, has showcased the evolution of modern warfare. This war has
underscored the need for militaries to adapt swiftly and stay ahead in the technology
race, particularly at a time when precision and efficiency are paramount.

In this context, Ukraine’s military has emerged as a noteworthy protagonist in the
quest for technological innovation. The military-tech industry in Ukraine is developing
at a remarkable speed, officials say their market grew 3-7 times in the conditions
of a full-scale war.

While the United States currently leads the military tech industry in the world,
Ukraine is emerging as a compelling contender for leadership in this field. The 
unique advantage lies in Ukraine’s firsthand experience in full-scale warfare, providing
valuable insights and a rapid development cycle for military technology. With the
ability to swiftly produce and test products in combat conditions, Ukraine has become
a [valuable resource](https://www.military.africa/2023/02/ukraines-skiftech-tactical-simulators-that-are-helping-deter-russian-forces/)
for other nations seeking to modernize their armed forces in an era of evolving 
security challenges.

## Tactical simulators: a game-changer in military training

In addition to modern weaponry and an ample supply of ammunition, quality [tactical training](https://www.military.africa/2023/02/ukraines-skiftech-tactical-simulators-that-are-helping-deter-russian-forces/)
remains a crucial factor of effectiveness on the battlefield. Tactical training 
equips soldiers to make swift and informed decisions in extreme conditions. From
studying tactical scenarios to simulating combat situations and fostering team coordination,
it’s the key to survival and empowers commanders to act decisively under intense
stress. An innovative military tech solution, tactical laser simulators for two-
way fire contact, has been making a significant impact on the training of Ukrainian
military personnel in recent years.

Leveraging [laser technology](https://www.military.africa/2023/02/ukraines-skiftech-tactical-simulators-that-are-helping-deter-russian-forces/),
these simulators allow for training experiences that closely mimic real battles,
whether with blank cartridges or without. The primary advantage lies in their ability
to provide real-time data on soldiers’ actions: their positions, shots fired, hits
scored, and the number and percentage of “survivors” within the team. On the international
market, such simulators are manufactured by such world leaders as Saab, Lockheed
Martin, Cubic, Thales, and others. In recent years, solutions have also come from
a company from Ukraine – **[Skiftech](https://skif-tech.com/)**, manufacturing simulators
that have been used by the Ukrainian military for over seven years, and which are
worthily repelling the Russian army, which is much more larger than it.

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> [Ukraine’s Skiftech tactical simulators that are helping deter Russian forces](https://www.military.africa/2023/02/ukraines-skiftech-tactical-simulators-that-are-helping-deter-russian-forces/)

The company’s flagship product among tactical simulators is the fighter’s personal
kit. Each fighter wears a helmet cover with hit sensors, carries a weapon with a
hinged or integrated laser emitter, a vest with hit sensors, and a stress belt. 
The stress belt is a crucial component as it allows the development of conditional
reflexes in the learning process.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2-1-scaled.jpg)

Ukraine’s Skiftech fighter’s personal kit to create realistic tactical training 
scenerio. Tactical training equips soldiers to make swift and informed decisions
in extreme conditions.

When a fighter is “hit” by a laser shot, in addition to the sensors emitting a sound
and flashing lights, they receive a brief, safe electric pulse in their arm from
the stress belt. This electric impulse is short-lived, lasting no more than one 
second, but it serves an essential psycho-emotional purpose: to remind the fighter
that, firstly, this is not a game, and secondly, in real combat conditions, such“
hit” would result in, at the very least, an injury.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-1024x623.jpg)

Ukraine’s Skiftech fighter’s personal kit to create realistic tactical training 
scenerio

## Skiftech personal kit

The personal kit is the most popular but not the only one among tactical simulators.
To create realistic training conditions, it is essential to conduct comprehensive
exercises involving different units simultaneously on the same training ground. 
This allows infantry, snipers, tank crews, artillery gunners, anti-aircraft personnel,
military engineers, and others to participate in a unified training scenario.

Therefore, to meet this need, Skiftech has developed an ecosystem of military equipment
that interacts seamlessly and can be integrated into a unified training complex 
for various branches of the armed forces. This ecosystem includes simulators for
explosive devices, armored vehicles (tanks, armored personnel carriers, BMPs, etc.),
artillery, mortars, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-
Defense Systems), and other types of military equipment.

All equipment is managed in software, where the instructor can configure all the
functionality, as well as save and follow the progress of the entire training. It
allows tracking the movement of fighters and military equipment on the range. In
the program, the instructor can set the number of cartridges, magazines, rate of
fire, conditional damage lethality, and other equipment parameters of each of the
fighters and the whole unit.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3_infographic-1024x724.
jpg)

Infographic of Skiftech’s laser-based tactical training technology

## Economy of ammunition

It is of critical importance for the military during training that everything closely
mirrors the conditions of actual combat. Ukrainian tactical simulators are designed
to replicate the combat characteristics of weapons, including the range of engagement,
rate of fire, the capacity of magazines, and other parameters. It’s worth noting
that simulators based on laser emitters differ from those utilizing other technologies.

Two-sided training is highly effective in preparing for real battles against genuine
adversaries, and laser technology enables tactical training through dry-fire systems.
Thanks to dry-fire technology, it is possible to save more than $30,000 on training
for one platoon.

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## Combat-proven in a full-scale war

Experts contend that Ukraine is presently advancing several generations of military
technology simultaneously, gaining proficiency in cutting-edge weaponry directly
on the battlefield. Unlike their counterparts, Ukrainian military tech companies
have the advantage of swift feedback from experienced military engaged in actual
combat operations, enabling them to respond promptly to evolving needs.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4-1024x682.jpg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/6-1024x682.jpg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/5-1024x682.jpg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/7-1-1024x682.jpg)

93rd Mechanized Brigade infantry unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that had earlier
fought on the Bakhmut front, one of the fiercest theatre in the Ukraine war.

In the photo gallery above, the training on Skiftech tactical simulators by the 
93rd Mechanized Brigade infantry unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This brigade
participated in combat in Bakhmut, one of the most intense areas on the [Ukrainian front](https://www.military.africa/2023/04/battlefield-strategies-lessons-african-militaries-can-learn-from-the-russia-ukraine-war/),
during the last year. Following the training session, instructors of the toughest
battles during the full-scale invasion, analyzed participants’ actions and addressed
errors.

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## Individual approach

The Ukrainian manufacturer highlights its capability **to tailor individual solutions**
to meet specific military requirements. This includes solutions designed for particular
weapon types or for crafting personalized training programs on tactical simulators.
In contrast, larger multinational companies often opt for more generic solutions
because they are not ready to spend time and resources.

For instance, Skiftech recently served as the technical contractor for the DartRange
project, partnering with an international company from the USA specializing in simulators
for law enforcement agencies with 20 years of experience. In this collaboration,
the Ukrainian manufacturer implemented a return fire system during firearms training.
This system allows personnel to not only practice shooting skills but also enhance
their ability to respond to incoming fire.

Today, Ukrainian manufacturers possess a unique advantage compared to global competitors:
their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) are swiftly tested in practical scenarios, 
yielding valuable feedback. Military leaders of countries should pay attention to
the solutions and products they offer if they want adaptive, cost-effective, and
fast solutions that have proven their effectiveness in combat conditions.

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