Soldiers in China’s rocket force are using virtual reality to launch missiles
- Simulated exercises used to boost combat readiness, part of efforts to improve training across the military
- Technology has transformed drills from ‘large-scale’ to ‘quiet and highly effective’, report says
Battalion commander Sun Yingjiu told the military newspaper the technology had improved training.
“You can practise launching without an actual installation, and you can practise tactics without leaving the base,” he said.
The new virtual reality training platform meant rocket force soldiers could practise command, action and support in a setting that was close to a real-world scenario, Sun said.
The technology has also transformed the “large-scale” missile exercises of the past into “quiet and highly effective” training, according to the report.
It has also made training in the rocket force far more efficient and flexible. A standard missile launch exercise involves thousands of personnel, and large pieces of equipment need to be transported to a training environment, so the frequency is limited, the report said. But the “virtual training ground” means this can all be simulated so that soldiers can use it to train much more often.
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Beijing wants to transform the country’s military into a modern fighting force, with a focus on becoming more technologically advanced. Like other militaries around the world, the PLA has been using virtual training and exercise simulations to boost combat readiness. It is part of a wider push to improve training across the military.
New recruit Zhang Chuxuan told the paper he had used the simulated training system to learn basic skills and theory.
“Virtual reality airborne training is very flexible [in] its simulations of take-off and landing as well as some emergency situations [and the experiences] are very real,” Zhang said.
Virtual reality has also been used to train air force pilot cadets, according to earlier media reports.
Hong Kong-based military commentator Song Zhongping said the technology could make military exercises more efficient but it also reduced training budgets.
“For example, China has attached great importance to joint exercises across its armed forces, but in reality a drill that involves the army, navy and air force is complex and time-consuming to conduct,” Song said.
“However, computer simulation can achieve similar effects while saving on both energy and costs.”
