# Skiftech wants to improve tactical training of African forces

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/11/skiftech-wants-to-improve-tactical-training-of-african-forces/
- Published: 2023-11-21T08:20:13+01:00
- Author: Military Africa

What is the cost of training those who protect us? What is the cost of empowering
our fighting men with innovative training solution. Skiftech provides these answers.
We spoke with Skiftechs’s cofounder Yuri Lavrenov, and he explained why Skiftech’s
innovative tactical training solution will improve the training regimen of African
forces.

**The Importance of Military Training for African Military Forces**

Military training is the process of preparing soldiers for the physical, mental 
and tactical challenges of war. Military training can take many forms, such as basic
training, specialized training, joint training and multinational training. Military
training is essential for any military force, but especially for African military
forces, who face a variety of security threats and challenges in their continent.

One of the benefits of military training is that it enhances the readiness and capability
of African military forces to respond to different scenarios, such as conventional
warfare, asymmetric warfare, peacekeeping operations, counter-terrorism operations
and humanitarian assistance. Military training also helps to improve the professionalism,
discipline and morale of African soldiers, who often operate in harsh and complex
environments. Military training also fosters cooperation and interoperability among
African military forces, as well as with their regional and international partners.

However, military training is not without its challenges and limitations. Some of
the challenges include the lack of adequate resources, equipment and infrastructure,
the diversity of languages and cultures, the political instability and corruption,
the interference of external actors and the impact of climate change. Some of the
limitations include the difficulty of measuring the effectiveness and impact of 
military training, the risk of human rights violations and abuses, the possibility
of creating dependency and resentment and the potential for exacerbating existing
conflicts and tensions.

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Military training is a vital component of enhancing the security and stability of
Africa. By improving the quality and effectiveness of military training for African
military forces, Africa can better cope with the current and emerging security threats
and challenges, while advancing its peace and development goals.

Enters Skiftech, Ukraine has been in a high-intensity conflict with a powerful military
force for almost two years. The war requires armies to pay attention to how Ukraine
adapts its equipment, doctrines and industry to the situation, and to learn from
its experience.

One example of how [Ukraine has adopted local technological solutions to train its soldiers effectively and quickly is Skiftech](https://www.military.africa/2023/02/ukraines-skiftech-tactical-simulators-that-are-helping-deter-russian-forces/).
Skiftech produces laser tactical simulators for various types of military equipment,
such as explosive devices, armoured vehicles, artillery, mortars, ATGMs, MANPADS,
and others. The company has created equipment that functions as a single ecosystem
and enables different types of troops to train together on the same military training
ground.

**Can you provide an overview of Skiftech and the role your simulators have played
in military training, particularly in Ukraine?**

Skiftech is a full-cycle manufacturer of tactical simulation systems based on laser
technology from Ukraine. Every element of the training system, from the body and
electronics to the software and applications, is created by a team of experts in
our own production facility. Over the past 9 years, we have developed and provided
various direct (laser-based) and indirect (STE) immersive training systems to military
and law enforcement training centres in Ukraine and worldwide.

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Skiftech has created personal kits for fighters, equipment for armoured vehicles,
simulators for SPAAG, MANPADS, MANPATS, artillery, “anti-snipe” systems, mortars,
and explosive simulators. All of this equipment is integrated into a single ecosystem
through software and can be used in a unified training scenario. It’s important 
to note that each Skiftech simulator is created according to customer requirements.
We take into account the specific features of armament and other factors to maximize
the effectiveness and realism of training.

Tactical simulators indeed play an essential role in the military training of Ukrainian
servicemen, who are engaged in a full-scale war. Last month, Ukraine’s Commander-
in-Chief, Valery Zaluzhny, posted a [video](https://www.facebook.com/CinCAFU/videos/1124399718540129/)
on his page showcasing our military’s training, featuring the use of Skiftech simulators.
General Zaluzhny emphasizes that laser technology enables training to closely simulate
combat conditions and allows for effective practice of each exercise.

**How do Skiftech’s laser-based tactical training simulators replicate real combat
conditions and prepare soldiers for real battles, especially in high-stress situations?**

All [Skiftech tactical simulators are based on digital signal transmission technology](https://www.military.africa/2023/09/laser-technologies-in-ukrainian-military-tactical-training/).
Electronic units are installed on standard weapons or military equipment to simulate
realistic firing. Special sensors are used to detect simulated hits on soldiers 
and armoured vehicles. During training, each serviceman wears a tactical helmet 
cover with a hit sensor, a vest with hit sensors, a stress belt, and a weapon with
a laser emitter. The military engages in various combat operation scenarios, facing
an intelligent adversary rather than stationary targets. The integrated or attached
emitter simulates the firing of personal weapons. When someone is hit, sensors on
the helmet or vest cover record the impact. Hits are indicated with sounds and a
pulse on the stress belt.

The training closely resembles actual combat, as the weight and characteristics 
of the weapons are close to real ones. Also, it takes place in an open area in conditions
that are as close as possible to combat, in contrast to training with the systems
that take place in classrooms — VR or laser shooting ranges. This approach facilitates
the development of coordination among military personnel, benefiting not only individual
specialists but also improving the overall interaction of military units.

Following the training, the instructor can conduct a detailed analysis of each fighter’s
actions and movements using a software program that records all actions and movements
of servicemen during the training process.

**According to your company, thanks to dry-fire technology, it is possible to save
more than $30,000 on training for one platoon. Also, the overall tactical training
benefit for just one infantry platoon is more than $200,000 per year due to the 
ability to conduct dry firing. **

**Could you explain the cost-saving advantages of utilizing dry-fire technology 
in tactical training, as mentioned by Skiftech?  **

This is not according to our company; the military provided us with data indicating
that more than $30,000 is spent monthly on blank cartridges for a single platoon.
Training with tactical simulation systems based on laser technology and indirect
simulation such as STE eliminates the need for blank cartridges.

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Let’s consider another example. Suppose the military needs to conduct anti-tank-
guided weapon training. A single anti-tank or anti-aircraft missile can cost anywhere
from $20,000 to approximately $80,000. However, with laser simulators, you can practice
hitting skills with as many “shots” as needed. In other words, thanks to the tactical
simulator, you can save several thousand dollars for just one training session.

**I understand Skiftech likely supplies equipment based on the customer’s requirements.
However, what is the average cost to equip a battalion strength of infantry with
your laser-based tactical training solution?  **

**What is the cost difference for a military force to carry out a real-time training
exercise for an infantry battalion lever versus using live ammunition?**

Figures can vary greatly, from $900,000 up to several million, depending on the 
configuration and specialization of the trainees. Our system can be supplied in 
modules that support different types of troops and weapons. The cost depends on 
the variety of weapons used and the size of the training ground where the training
will take place. Also, it’s important to consider not only the number of personal
kits for fighters but also factors such as the training scenario, network coverage,
and other variables.

Furthermore, it’s essential to remember that training with tactical simulators, 
based on laser technology, can be repeated as many times as needed. Simulators only
require charging and do not necessitate the use of any live ammunition. The dry-
fire mode allows for endless repetitions of training exercises.

The difference between live ammunition and tactical simulators extends beyond the
economic aspect; it also has tactical implications. In tactical training with blank
cartridges, the experience resembles a “war game.” Soldiers engage in physical simulations
of combat, followed by an instructor who determines who is wounded or killed. Fighters
become accustomed to the sound of gunfire and the scent of gunpowder, but they do
not experience genuine stress because they know that no one is firing live rounds
at them.

Conversely, training with TESS (Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems) replicates
real combat scenarios. Soldiers genuinely engage with one another, firing shots,
while damage sensors ascertain whether the target has been hit or “killed”; not 
by the instructor’s decision but because they were actually struck. An instructor
monitors all activities in real time on a screen and can address mistakes after 
the training session. Such training is effective at all levels, from the soldier
in the trench to the commander.

**Skiftech is seeking new partners in Africa. How do you envision your simulators
being used in ****African military contexts?**

In Africa, the security of the population faces several significant challenges, 
including internal threats such as criminal groups and terrorist organizations of
various sizes. The military must address both of these issues. Traditional training,
in line with existing military doctrines, often falls short in preparing for modern
threats, particularly in the context of National Security and law enforcement functions.

Currently, aside from special police units, the army conducts patrols in villages
and cities. When encountering armed criminal or terrorist groups, they are required
to respond effectively. This situation often involves Fight in the Built-up Urban
Area (FIBUA) scenarios, including Close Quarter Combats (CQC). These skills are 
crucial for military and law enforcement agencies to master at the highest level.
This differs from the traditional approach of sitting in a trench and waiting for
a frontal attack.

Today, terrorists often hide in houses, making CQC training essential. Training 
with blank cartridges is insufficient for this purpose. Airsoft equipment is an 
option, but it has a high risk of cheating, as it’s challenging to verify hits, 
and participants may not take it seriously, perceiving it as a game. Another option
is paintball, but the weapons used are essentially toys and not suitable for serious
training. Marker rounds are a more expensive solution, but their constant purchase
is delayed due to bureaucracy. Furthermore, they do not provide comprehensive training
statistics.

The solution provided by Skiftech realistically simulates real shots and hits, while
the software enables instructors to record and analyze all actions, offering comprehensive
statistics on platoon performance. Instructors can conduct after-action reviews,
monitor ground movements, and track skill improvement over time.

Terrorists employ not only small arms but also drones and various explosive devices,
ranging from homemade to traditional mines. Additionally, terrorists operate in 
small mobile groups. Traditional methods are inadequate for practising resistance
against these threats. Modern technologies are essential. Skiftech manufactures 
simulators not only for personnel but also for military equipment, including armoured
vehicles and tanks. We also offer RPG and mortar simulators, enabling the military
to conduct comprehensive training with diverse scenarios and various weapon systems.

**With the ongoing conflict in Europe, African militaries may be wary of investing
in a technology that may not guarantee long-term sustainment. Would Skiftech be 
willing to offer long-term training, and sustainment support to African customers?**

Our company is diversified with branches in Europe and the USA. This means that 
if there are changes in the operations of one office, the other office continues
to function. Our technical support system is also diversified, featuring a robust
network for independent fulfilment of warranty obligations and maintenance. Post-
production support, incidentally, is consistently valued by our customers, who appreciate
that we are always accessible and responsive.

**Could you share any success stories or examples of how Skiftech’s simulators have
positively impacted military training in recent years?**

For the 9th year, we have been manufacturing equipment for training military personnel
with direct military experience. Currently, our systems are in use by the Armed 
Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service,
Special Operations Forces, and other state military organizations in Ukraine. Since
2017, we have also collaborated with the US Department of Energy to provide tactical
simulators for training National Guard units at nuclear power plants.

For the past two years, the Ukrainian military has been engaged in a full-scale 
war with an adversary that outnumbers them significantly in terms of both personnel
and military equipment and ammunition. Innovative technological solutions have played
a significant role in the Russians’ failure to achieve their objectives.

**Skiftech mentions the adaptability of its simulators to various models and types
of weapons. Can you elaborate on this flexibility?**

Each simulator is customized according to the customer’s requirements, with careful
consideration of weapon features and other relevant factors to optimize training
effectiveness. Skiftech equipment can be installed on standard weapons or military
equipment, but we also specialize in creating bespoke solutions tailored to the 
specific needs of the military. This includes customized solutions for specific 
weapons, as well as tailored exercises and training programs. As a result, we currently
boast the most extensive product portfolio among tactical simulator manufacturers.
Our advantage lies in the fact that we handle development, production, and supply
in-house, ensuring rapid and efficient communication. Additionally, all our engineers
are part of our in-house team.

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