The Role of Simulation in Middle Eastern Military Aviation Training and Defence Readiness

In a region vital to global stability, Middle Eastern military aviation forces operate some of the world's most advanced aircraft. Maintaining peak defence readiness for these sophisticated fleets demands innovative training; a requirement increasingly met through the strategic use of high-fidelity simulation.

Throughout the region, you'll find a swathe of advanced aircraft in operation for each nation's defence:

• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia operates F-15s, Typhoons, C-130s, PC-21s, A330-MRTTs, Tornados and Hawks to name a few.

• Oman operates Typhoons, NH-90s, C-130s, C295s and F-16s.

• The United Arab Emirates operates F-16s, Mirages, C-130s, Apaches, Blackhawks and Chinooks.

• Qatar operates F-15s, PC-21s, Typhoons, NH-90s, Apaches, Rafales and C-17s.

• Jordan operates C-130s, Blackhawks, PC-21s, F-16s and Cobras.

• Israel operates F-15s, F-16s, KC-46s, C-130s, Apaches, Blackhawks, Sea Stallions and F-35s.

With such extensive and advanced air assets, the defence forces across the Middle East are continually finding better ways to train their personnel and prepare for any challenge. A core strategy they employ involves advanced flight simulators, ensuring their pilots and aircrew are trained to the highest standards. This approach also helps reduce expenses and boost both safety and mission preparedness.

As one expert in global military training noted, 'Training is fundamental to military readiness.' This emphasis on preparedness has led to a major investment in training technologies across the Middle East, a region of significant strategic importance in the defence market.

An A330-MRTT Refuelling an F-16

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for example, are using three advanced training devices to train the crew that operate their A330-MRTT fleet or air-to-air refuelling aircraft. They make use of a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for pilot training, and additionally use a Part Task Trainer (PTT) for the Aerial Refuelling Officers (AROs) which can be connected up to a cockpit procedural trainer to do mission rehearsal and crew co-ordination training. This dedicated use of advanced simulation technology helps ensure the Royal Saudi Air Force’s pilots and aircrew are always mission-ready, able to respond immediately when needed.

Qatar, for instance, has invested in a complete range of high-tech training devices for their NH90 crews. This includes multiple Full Flight Simulators, along with rear-crew trainers, procedures trainers, winch and door gunner trainers, and even virtual maintenance training classrooms. This thorough approach helps the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QAEF) achieve remarkable safety records, as seen by their NH90 fleet reaching 2500 flight hours by March 2024 with no publicly reported safety concerns. Such a wide array of high-fidelity training systems plays a significant part in the QAEF's defence readiness, making sure they can deploy quickly.

Oman, too, has been a dedicated user of high-fidelity training systems, vital for the Royal Air Force of Oman's (RAFO) operational readiness. Their use of advanced training systems for both F-16s and C295s shows the strong value synthetic training offers across cost control, safety, and mission preparedness. This commitment extends to broader initiatives, as evidenced by efforts to support the creation and establishment of an aviation academy to supply pilots for both civil and military sectors in Oman and the surrounding region.

Across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), advanced flight simulators are used to train crews for operating a diverse helicopter fleet, including the NSA 407MRH (a light multi-role helicopter based on the Bell 407GX civil helicopter airframe) and UH-60M Blackhawks, both types for the Joint Aviation Command (JAC). With around approximately 80 Blackhawks and 29 407s (amongst several other helicopter types), JAC has a clear need to make sure its pilots and other aircrew are safe and mission-ready across these platforms. Their use of advanced flight simulators provides a reliable way to meet this critical training requirement.

Jordan made a significant investment in high-fidelity F-16 training capabilities, with a contract secured in late 2016. This $40 million commitment led to the development of a networkable family of training systems. This complete package, featuring both full mission and combat tactics trainers, provides advanced training solutions that are also cost-effective. By connecting these systems, Jordan can offer a more integrated and efficient training experience for its F-16 pilots.

Israeli fast jet simulator inside the Mission Training Centre (MTC)

As one might anticipate, Israel strongly believes in high-quality training to gain an advantage over potential adversaries. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) operates what they call a Mission Training Center (MTC), where their F-15 and F-16 pilots can train in a connected way. This integrated approach can lead to up to a 14% reduction in total flight hours needed to achieve training goals. For an air force as large as the IAF, this means substantial cost savings and more consistent training outcomes. As Brig. Gen. Amnon Ein-Dar, IAF's Head of Training & Doctrine Division, stated, "The simulator instructors are responsible for the future of the IAF's preparedness. Aviation is dangerous and expensive and putting work into the field of simulators and increasing the scope of the force's simulative training is the direction we're headed in. Advanced technology and high-quality personnel will help us get very far."

The examples across the Middle East clearly show the powerful role of advanced simulation in military aviation training. From Saudi Arabia's focused refuelling training to Israel's integrated mission centres, these nations are all finding ways to enhance their defence readiness. Using high-fidelity simulators helps forces across the region achieve critical training outcomes while controlling costs, improving safety, and making sure their aircrews are prepared for any mission.

This focus on advanced training systems aligns with global trends where militaries are increasingly looking at training as a complete enterprise, not just a collection of devices. As a market with expanding defence budgets and a drive to acquire modern weapon systems, the Middle East continues to see its military training requirements grow.

The strategic application of simulation is not just an efficiency tool; it's a fundamental element securing the operational excellence and preparedness of Middle Eastern military aviation, ensuring they remain ready for the complexities of modern defence.