Revolutionizing Naval Training

For more than 30 years, Saab has been developing its training system continuously to meet new challenges. Always with a focus on those factors that are crucial for truly effective training: realism, scalability, deployability, standardisation and interoperability. The GAMER system which is currently used by more than 35 nations in Europe and North America, including numerous NATO member states, relies on a combination of laser-based simulators, sophisticated ballistic modeling and geometric coupling technology to modelling highly realistic combat scenarios. It provides a safe training environment without using live ammunition, enabling naval forces to simulate complex engagements effectively. However, transitioning the system from land to sea involves evaluating how it will adapt to the unique maritime environment, such as saltwater exposure and potential maintenance needs. A dedicated community of GAMER nations – the ‘Interoperability User Community’ (IUC) – with its current 16 actively participating nations is also working on common requirements and standards that are incorporated into the development of new technologies in order to continuously develop cooperation within the alliance.

Accessibility

One of the key benefits of the Maritime Live Training system is its ability to conduct exercises close to port, eliminating the need for long-distance travel or airspace clearances to train forces and develop new tactics. By utilizing laser systems, which require far fewer safety restrictions than live ammunition, naval forces can train conveniently near harbours, significantly increasing the frequency and accessibility of exercises. GAMER – for land as well as for sea – features a range of interoperable software tools to support the entire training lifecycle: from planning and preparation to execution, control, and evaluation. Components of the system include firing systems, target systems, communications infrastructure, and exercise control systems (EXCON), all integrated to ensure seamless and realistic training experiences.

Laser Technology for Realistic Combat Scenarios

The heart of Saab’s Maritime Live Training is the innovative use of laser technology. While many live training systems use a single-path laser to simulate the firing of ammunition, Saab relies on the BT46 two-ways laser technology which precisely models the speed, flight time and flight path of the ammunition and is currently the most accurate and realistic laser-based simulator system in the world. Each laser shot carries encoded data, including information about the ammunition type, calibre, and impact characteristics, following the NATO-standard U-LEIS protocol. This detailed information ensures accurate simulations that mirror real-world combat conditions. The system integrates seamlessly with the ship's fire control systems, providing operators with identical feedback to what they would receive from real ammunition, making the training process extraordinarily realistic.

Multiple threat simulation

The Maritime Live Training system is particularly beneficial for preparing naval forces to face newer threats and challenges, such as drone swarms. By equipping both weapons and drones with laser detectors, naval forces can simulate drone attacks and assess the performance of their combat systems. This allows crews to refine anti-drone tactics, identify the best ammunition types, and determine optimal engagement ranges. Moreover, the system is capable of simulating a wide range of threats, from small surface vessels to aerial drones as small as 50 centimeters in wingspan. With clever programming, a single drone can simulate multiple threats, enabling navies to conduct complex scenarios without needing to deploy a large number of physical assets.

Saab’s system extends beyond ship-based weapons, creating a complete training environment. Boarding teams, for example, can be equipped with personal laser detectors and small arms transmitters, with their locations tracked via GPS. This real-time tracking allows exercise controllers to monitor every participant's position during operations like boarding suspicious vessels, adding another layer of realism. For larger vessels, such as frigates, laser detectors can be strategically placed to protect vulnerable areas like the bridge, engine room, or ammunition storage compartments. This simulates realistic vulnerability models, training crews to target enemy weak points while safeguarding their own.

A Global Solution for Modern Training Needs

Building on the success of its land-based technology, Saab is finally bringing its advanced systems to the maritime sector. The U.S. Marine Corps has already adopted Saab's training technology, awarding a $37 million contract modification to expand their Marine Corps Training Instrumentation Systems (MCTIS). These will enhance the realism of training exercises for Marines, helping improve their battlefield performance and survivability. In addition, every GAMER system comes with the option of a comprehensive support package, to ensure that armed forces can concentrate on the essentials during these exercises. From the provision of spare parts, to the implementation of repairs and the management of resources, the entire exercise can be coordinated and controlled by Saab experts.

In the near future, Saab plans to incorporate artificial intelligence and data analytic tools to enhance after-action reviews. As naval forces around the world face increasingly complex and unpredictable threats, Saab’s new Maritime Live Training solution provides an invaluable tool to develop both tactical expertise and doctrinal approaches required for modern maritime warfare. This cutting-edge training system ensures that navies are better prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s combat environments.

Training & Simulation

Realistic training, followed by immediate feedback is the best way to prepare for the real mission. Training experience leads to quick, correct decision making in real situations, saving lives at risk. We provide solutions that suit your precise needs with realistic exercises in both open and urban terrain, from individual and combined arms at platoon level, to joint operations at brigade combat team level.

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