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Indian Navy Commissions India’s First AI-Enabled Containerised Small Arms Firing Range

Our take

The Indian Navy has achieved a significant milestone with the commissioning of India’s first AI-enabled containerised small arms firing range. Developed and delivered by Zen Technologies, this innovative system represents a substantial advancement in training capabilities. Notably, the project concluded ahead of schedule and with a demonstrably reduced timeframe compared to initial projections. This deployment underscores India’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology for enhanced operational readiness and reflects a growing trend toward optimized, data-driven training solutions.
Indian Navy Commissions India’s First AI-Enabled Containerised Small Arms Firing Range
Indian Navy Commissions India’s First AI-Enabled Containerised Small Arms Firing Range
zen technologies
Image Credits: Zen Technologies

The Indian Navy has commissioned India’s first AI-enabled Containerised Small Arms Firing Range (CSAFR), developed and installed by Hyderabad-based Zen Technologies, to support live-fire training for maritime and shore-based security operations.

Zen Technologies said it delivered the system ahead of schedule and within a significantly shorter timeframe than originally planned. The firing range was conceptualised by the Indian Navy and developed by Zen Technologies.

The CSAFR is designed to bring live-fire training closer to operational locations. It addresses some of the problems associated with conventional outdoor firing ranges, including limited land availability, long travel distances, weather conditions, urbanisation and high logistical costs.

For the Indian Navy, the system is designed for training related to the security of naval shore establishments, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), ship boarding and Fleet Protection Measures (FPM).

The range can also be used for customised maritime combat scenarios. Personnel can train against moving targets, including fast-moving boats, and practise situations that are relevant to maritime operations.

Training in different conditions

The CSAFR has a Zero Danger Area (ZDA) design and a low noise signature, according to Zen Technologies. This allows live firing to be conducted even in densely populated urban areas.

The system supports 24×7, all-weather training, as well as night and low-visibility firing exercises.

It can allow several soldiers to engage moving targets at the same time. The system also records individual performance scores and analytics, giving personnel data on their training results.

Zen Technologies said the range is designed to improve engagement accuracy against fast-manoeuvring targets, including high-speed boats.

Faster qualification training

The company said 100 soldiers can complete the Annual Qualification Course in one day using the CSAFR. A conventional outdoor firing range would take five days for the same training, according to the company.

The system is also intended to provide a more cost-effective alternative to conventional outdoor firing ranges while retaining live-fire training.

Its containerised format allows the Navy to conduct training at operational locations, reducing the need for personnel to travel long distances to conventional firing ranges.

Developed for Indian Navy requirements

The CSAFR was conceptualised by the Indian Navy and developed by Zen Technologies to meet the Navy’s operational training requirements.

Ashok Atluri, chairman and managing director of Zen Technologies, said the company was proud to work with the Indian Navy on a live-fire training system that could be used safely and regularly at operational locations.

Atluri said the system could have applications across the Indian Armed Forces and international defence forces.

Zen Technologies said the deployment adds to its defence training and simulation capabilities, with the CSAFR designed to improve combat readiness, training efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness.

References: TOI, eurasiareview

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