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What Simulators Ukrainians Use to Train with Javelin, Stinger, and Even Polish Piorun Combat Application

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Illustrative archive photo: Ukrainian air defense missile operators have a live firing training, 2021 / Photo credit: Joint Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Illustrative archive photo: Ukrainian air defense missile operators have a live firing training, 2021 / Photo credit: Joint Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

About the hardware, software, and the requirements that simulator manufacturers have to conform if they want to supply their developments to the Ukrainian Army

Using simulation devices to have soldiers learn the ropes of anti-tank of anti-aircraft missile firing is a common practice for many armies across the world. Such devices save costly missiles that would be otherwise spent for the sake of practicing while offering the same experience as when a real man-portable weapon is fired, including recoil, proper missile path ballistics and other parameters.

The better a soldier is trained, the more effectively he or she will use this weapon in real combat. This makes simulator-making an important part of high-tech defense industry, and it's no less true for Ukraine where this branch is being pushed forward by private companies.

Read more: Ukrainians Don't Waste Time and Start "Piloting" F-16 in Ukraine: How the Air Force Pilots Get Acquainted with Western Fighters Without Leaving Homeland
The kit is known as the UNITS LT – it consists of a portable laser trainer and a controller
The kit is known as the UNITS LT – it consists of a portable laser movement tracker and a controller / Screenshot credit: PSS by Logics7

During a program hosted by Defense Express and Espreso TV, Ihor Bielov who is a co-owner of PSS by Logics7 company, told us about the several simulators he and his team developed for "live fire" training.

These setups can comprehensively recreate the specifications of the weapons they simulate, namely a range of pistols, rifles, grenade launchers, and missile systems currently in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other security forces. More specifics a bit later.

"The software completely matches the mathematics and ballistics underlying each particular weapon, and impact wind of weather conditions is also taken into account," Bielov said in the interview. "With such simulators, the training is fast and efficient, without spending ammunition."

The controller comes with a deactivated real weapon, so the weight and
The controller comes with a deactivated real weapon, so the weight and "feel" are the same as when holding one / Screenshot credit: PSS by Logics7

Previously known mostly for game development, his IT company had developed over 30 military simulators that enable training with "practically every kind of weapon" in service with the Ukrainian Army, including those supplied by Western partners:

"The NLAW… the [FGM-148] Javelin, our pride, which is currently quite a sophisticated weapon, and thus one needs to know how to use it. Man-portable surface-to-air missile systems, such as Strela, Igla, Stinger, and even the Polish Piorun."

FGM-148 Javelin simulator setup
Javelin MVR – the FGM-148 Javelin simulator setup / Photo credit: PSS by Logics7

According to Bielov, Ukrainian soldiers are already training with them: either in the Army's training centers or the company's own locations which are free to use by all military servicemen.

Ukrainian soldiers use the simulators to hone their skills
Ukrainian soldiers use the simulators to hone their skills / Screenshot credit: PSS by Logics7

PSS by Logics7 co-owner also informed that there is a special method used to make sure the simulators correctly reflect the parameters of real weapons and prove the effectiveness of training with it.

The speaker didn't dive into details but noted that the company keeps in touch with the soldiers and military instructors so everything is in check. He also mentioned there is a list of requirements the supplier needs to conform in order to be allowed to sell the simulators to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Read more: The Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi Demonstrated the Training of Ukrainian Military Personnel (Video)