Indian armed forces can save over ₹1,000 crore every year if they can scale up simulator-based training, and thereby help cut fuel burns and logistics expenditure, a study released by The Energy Resources Institute (TERI) revealed.
The study, which pointed out that the country is entering an era where every litre of fuel, every imported resource, and every rupee spent matters, said simulator-based training can also save up thousands of man-hours across all combat arms, without compromising battlefield readiness.
Simulation training creates a realistic environment to replicate real-world scenarios.
TERI study assessed 13 simulator systems, covering infantry, artillery, army, air defence, armoured corps, and mechanised infantry, and calculated savings across fuel, ammunition, logistics, and equipment wear.
Among these, the Pinaka Simulator showed the highest projected savings with a net present value (NPV) of ₹10,228.55 crore at the present 15 per cent induction level, while 3ADS air defence simulator showed savings of ₹2,289 crore.
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At the current 15 per cent simulator induction level, the Indian Army's Infantry Weapon Training Simulators alone save ₹461.20 crore annually, equivalent to ₹1.26 crore every single day.
If induction were scaled up by a further 25 per cent, annual savings from IWTS (infantry weapon training system) would increase by ₹3,219.50 crore.
TERI derived the cumulative annual savings of ₹1,000 crore from assuming simulator penetration goes above 40 per cent.
The study also suggested integrating simulators into joint training exercises across all service branches, including Agniveers, to maximise per-unit training value.
"National security and environmental responsibility are no longer separate conversations. Defence simulators demonstrate how technological innovation can simultaneously strengthen combat preparedness, optimise resources, and advance sustainability goals," Souvik Bhattacharjya, Senior Fellow & Director, TERI, said.
