Autor fotografie: Saab, Public domain
Efficiency. Efficiency in every way is a fundamental requirement not only in the deployment of modern armed forces. It can only be built with well-motivated and well-prepared personnel, and one of the cornerstones in this regard is effective training. And for this, modern simulators are essential today – exemplified by the Gamer system from Saab, a company that has specialised in training systems for decades.
Linking computer-controlled simulation, which is capable of offering real-time scenarios with evolving conditions to accurate assessment, to real field movement with real weapons and equipment is the only way to achieve the desired maximum effectiveness in training. Limiting oneself to mere computer simulations, however good, is not enough. And without computer-controlled conditions for the deployment of various assets and their immediate evaluation, ideal results cannot be achieved even in real field training. Modern systems and technologies nowadays make it possible to work very accurately, for example, with ballistic data of weapons, including long-range weapons. As a result, systems such as multiple rocket launchers, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles can be incorporated into the training of military units with very precise effects.
The Saab Gamer system
The value of one of each scenario and one of each exercise is then enhanced by the creation of an ever-expanding dataset that allows refinement of procedures, optimisation of doctrines for the deployment of individual weapons and their synergies. These features are provided to the armed forces of a growing number of NATO countries by the Saab Gamer system, which is now used in Europe by the armies of the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland and Poland, in addition to Sweden, and has also been implemented by the US Marine Corps. Moreover, the system's interoperability allows it to be used together with other systems and assets across the Alliance. The result is the ability to conduct effective live training at virtually all levels, from small unit to brigade level and beyond.
The system’s ability to work very realistically with actual weapon system ballistics brings elements of hostile fire into training with all conceivable impacts and implications that affect the subsequent decision making of commanders and the deployment of their own forces. The system can simulate changes in weather and other external environmental conditions. Weapon system operations are simulated through laser technology. Each soldier, each vehicle, each system deployed in the exercise is equipped with a set of sensors capable of detecting the laser beam, and information about the hit is transmitted by audio signal and displayed on monitors. This puts an element of realism into the "game" almost 100%, and every decision, every action has its specific impacts and consequences that need to be evaluated and adapted to the next course of action.
We asked Petr Schleiss, Saab's Business Director for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, a few questions.
Both the Czech and Slovak armed forces struggle with the effectiveness of recruitment. Modern technology requires competent operators and crews. One of the arguments supporting the recruitment of new recruits is the attractiveness of working with state-of-the-art equipment. Does a modern training system such as Saab Gamer, which not only resembles sophisticated computer games but is actually called like one, play a positive role in this respect?
Training in a realistic way, using modern technology, attracts not only soldiers but also the full chain of command. To be able to develop, test and challenge your skills creates confident soldiers, well prepared to meet the challenges of a battle. Modern simulator produces precise feedback to the users, helping them to become better day by day.
But it is not about computer training. Soldiers and equipment move in real terrain, and the system is designed to simulate real combat with every conceivable variable, right?
Correct, live training is the type of simulator assisted training that is aimed to be fully realistic, meaning that the soldiers will act in real terrain and under the conditions you may expect to meet in an operation. Soldiers are using their real weapons and equipment, with the addition of simulators, leaving a minimal footprint. The Saab Gamer system is designed to in every way not only support the correct handling of weapons but also to measure and provide feedback on the handling and acting of the soldier and the commanders.
Saab has a lot of experience in developing combat simulators. How does your approach differ from your competitors, what do you offer users in addition?
The level of realism that the Gamer system is offering is unique. Precisionmatters, in training, or else the precision won’t be there when needed in a real situation. Learning by experience, must be based on true results.
How do you incorporate both user feedback and insights from the modern battlefield, such as Ukraine, into the further development of your systems?
The Gamer system is like a lego, and capabilities can be added over time. Saab reinvests heavily into IR&D making sure that the challenges from new weapon systems are meet with new simulator technologies. Saab has a world leading footprint in the live training domain, close cooperation with a large number of customers, providing input to the future development of the Gamer product portfolio.
And vice versa – if simulators today offer to gain very real experience, do the results of exercises translate into the development of doctrines for the deployment of different branches? Can any specific examples be mentioned, even if only in general terms?
A system as the Saab Gamer system with high precision sensors produces larger amounts of objective data. Many customers capture data, not only for the current exercise but also over time, enabling them to do deep analysis of their own performance, and based on the outcome tune doctrines. Allied troops are using the Gamer system to in an objective way certify the troops capabilities to operate jointly in between nations.
At the heart of the system is the Combat Training Center (CTC), which monitors every step and action in training. The CTC is available as a mobile container that can be deployed wherever it is needed or as a fixed solution that can be placed in a stationary location. With support for up to 10,000 exercise participants and coverage of an area up to 40 x 40 km, CTC can be adapted to any specific needs. These are parameters that continue to evolve. The exercise control and evaluation system – EXCON – processes information from all deployed sensors and effectors, which is displayed in real time, including, for example, the effects of simulated artillery or rocket fire. This allows soldiers to continuously evaluate the exercise and subsequently analyze individual and unit actions and decisions made by commanders at all levels. Scenarios can then, of course, be repeated to find the most appropriate responses to the simulated threats to which the units were exposed.
An example of the use of the Gamer system is the multinational exercise AURORA 23, which took place in Sweden in May 2023 and involved more than 26,000 soldiers from 14 countries. Its aim was to strengthen the capabilities of all types of armed forces of the participating armies to counter an armed attack against Sweden. Similarly, this spring, 20,000 troops, including Americans, participated in Nordic Response 24. Both exercises took full advantage of the possibilities provided by the Gamer system.
It makes soldiers and their commanders much more aware of their actual capabilities, the risks they face and the consequences of their decisions and actions. As Petr Schleiss says, Gamer will be further expanded. For example, the deployment of drones and loitering ammunition is becoming increasingly important – and the topic needs to be conceived both ways, i.e. both in terms of defence against these systems and in terms of their effective offensive use. The principle is the same: the ability to continuously assess and adapt to a changing situation in training as a cornerstone of effective deployment in a real situation.