Zen Technologies has just fired a salvo in India’s maritime training landscape, unveiling the country’s first AI-powered Fast Attack Craft (FAC) Simulator. This isn’t just another training tool—it’s a full-scale digital battleground, designed to prepare naval crews for the complex, high-stakes realities of modern maritime warfare.
The simulator doesn’t just mimic operations; it replicates them with eerie precision. With 360° visuals, 6-DOF motion platforms, and EO/IR targeting systems, crews experience near-real conditions—from ship handling to remote weapon engagement. The standout? Its AI-enabled Instructor Operator Station (IOS). This isn’t your average training tool. It adapts in real-time, adjusting difficulty based on crew performance, identifying weaknesses, and generating customised improvement modules. Think of it as a digital coxswain, constantly refining training to sharpen skills.
But realism is where this simulator truly shines. Propulsion, steering, recoil feedback—even the sensation of firing medium machine guns and remote weapon stations—are all simulated with uncanny accuracy. Tactical scenarios range from close-quarter defence to asymmetric threats, ensuring crews are battle-ready for any scenario.
Why does this matter? India’s maritime challenges are growing. With a 7,500-kilometre coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone, securing trade routes and countering asymmetric threats demands cutting-edge preparedness. Live training is expensive, risky, and logistically complex. This simulator changes the game, offering a safer, cost-effective way to hone skills without stepping onto a deck.
Ashok Atluri, Chairman and Managing Director of Zen Technologies, puts it bluntly: “The growing need to counter asymmetric threats, secure trade routes, and strengthen naval readiness makes advanced training systems like the FAC Simulator crucial.” This isn’t just about training—it’s about operational superiority.
The FAC Simulator is more than a tool; it’s a strategic asset. By enhancing team coordination and tactical decision-making under high-stress conditions, it’s set to redefine naval combat readiness. And for Zen Technologies, this launch is a clear statement: India’s defence future is being shaped by indigenous innovation.
The question now is, how quickly will other nations follow suit? As maritime threats evolve, so must training. This simulator could set a new global standard—one where AI, realism, and adaptability converge to create mission-ready crews. The tide is turning, and India is leading the charge.