USE OF SPECIALIZED TRAINING SYSTEMS AND SIMULATORS FOR CONDUCTING FIRE TRAINING IN THE CONTEXT OF NATO STANDARDS ADAPTATION IN COMBAT TRAINING OF THE SECURITY AND DEFENSE SECTOR FORCES OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the integration of specialized training systems and simulators into the fire training process of personnel of Ukraine security and defense sector forces in the context of NATO standards adaptation. The typology of training systems by immersion level is analyzed, including laser-based force-on-force engagement simulators (MILES, Skiftech), virtual marksmanship complexes on projection screens and VR/AR platforms (EST II, SAGITTARIUS, ISMT), and combined systems with ballistic feedback (recoil-kit, BlueFire). A comparison is made between hardware platforms used by NATO member states armies and domestic developments, primarily Skiftech mobile laser systems that integrate with standard weapons, ATGMs, MANPADs, mortars, and armored vehicles and can be deployed at any training ground without specialized infrastructure. The doctrinal framework for individual training within the Alliance (Bi-SC Directive 075-007, Systems Approach to Training concept) is examined, the degree of harmonization of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Marksmanship Course with NATO requirements is determined, and the key methodological gap between the four-point grading scale and the binary task-condition-standard model is identified. The methodology of the dry-fire-simulator-live-fire training cycle and transition criteria between stages are substantiated, including stress inoculation through scenario-based modeling with force-on-force laser engagement. Performance assessment systems are compared, including automatic simulator metrics and the NATO After Action Review instrument versus the traditional four-point scale of the Ukrainian Marksmanship Course. The effectiveness of simulator-based training is verified through the experience of JMTG-U, ORBITAL, and INTERFLEX programs during the Russian-Ukrainian war, with analysis of the transfer of training problem from simulator environment to real high-intensity combat. Prospects for implementing adaptive AI-powered simulators, integrating simulators with C4ISR systems, and expanding simulator technologies to the National Guard, State Border Guard Service, and law enforcement agencies are outlined.