In the infamous scene of the cult movie, The Matrix, when Morpheus takes Neo inside a computer programme, the degree of realism and intense immersion perplexes Neo so profoundly that he succumbs to asking the very existential question, “Is this real?” To which Morpheus replies, “Real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain.”

In today’s world, even though this level of immersion in Virtual Reality (VR) is still a distant aspiration, the pace of its acquisition is faster than ever. The application of VR remains most prominent in military and extends to areas like training, mission planning, improving battlefield tactics around the world, reducing training costs and saving environment. Moving with time, Pakistan is also making parallel progress in this area.

The introduction of networked training environments, improved graphics, and high-fidelity VRs improving precision and immersion is an even more recent development that occurred within the past few years

The utility of simulations in securing combat readiness in future warfare is not a novel practice, but the use of VR is comparatively new. Systems like Sensorama flight simulators and head mounted displays laid the foundation of VR in the late 1970s however funding for VR research did not start until the early 1980s. The introduction of networked training environments, improved graphics, and high-fidelity VRs improving precision and immersion is an even more recent development that occurred within the past few years.

Besides skills integration, VR systems in military around the world are also aiding in terrain familiarisation modelled in VR simulations, especially helpful for personnel who are needed to be deployed in missions across the globe on similar terrains

Currently, the VR ‘immersivity’ of the simulations are high-fidelity providing extremely realistic visual outputs. It helps in training personnel through high-precision inside-out tracking and haptics to acquire basic skills required during combat. It also increases the overall understanding of the terrain in simulated mission planning environments and battlefields. This form of synthetic training is the most common usage of VR in modern militaries. Besides skills integration, VR systems in military around the world are also aiding in terrain familiarisation modelled in VR simulations, especially helpful for personnel who are needed to be deployed in missions across the globe on similar terrains.

Nevertheless, the critique remains as to whether it serves more as a practice platform or a training device. This critique mainly stems from the argument that, the utility of such immersive platforms exists in honing the already acquired skills during combat such as aerial hit-and-run tactics, dogfighting, defensive flying and evasive manoeuvring tactics, and might serve new trainees very little.

Such systems will evaluate the degree of immersion of these systems and help in locating any loopholes in the form of latency/time delays that are the major causes of motion sickness or disorientation in the users

For this purpose, VR systems across the globe are aiming to integrate Knowledge Representation Systems (KRS) through human-machine interactions within these platforms with the help of AI that provides detailed feedback on the actions of trainees. Such systems will evaluate the degree of immersion of these systems and help in locating any loopholes in the form of latency/time delays that are the major causes of motion sickness or disorientation in the users.

Along with KRS systems, the integration of accelerometers will further help in assessing the simulators’ effectiveness as trainees stress levels are monitored in real time. It will aid in evaluating whether ‘state-dependent learning’ is achieved which implies that trainees, by encountering similar stress levels in these simulations will remember the information better when confronted with similar sensory states in real conflict scenarios. US defence firms like Sigma defence have already initiated work on such next-generation training platforms in 2024, the Operator Maintainer Immersive Virtual Reality Environment for Intelligence Training (OMNIVORE-IT) project meant for the US Army.

One of the most notable was Pakistani made free-fall training simulator, SkyfallVR for training paratroopers and Special Forces, in addition to pilot ejection training

In keeping up with these rapid developments in VR, Pakistan has also been investing in indigenising VR and immersive technology research. At the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) held in November 2024, various types of locally made simulators were exhibited at different pavilions reflecting a growing interest and proficiency in immersive technologies.

Among these simulators, one of the most notable was Pakistani made free-fall training simulator, SkyfallVR for training paratroopers and Special Forces, in addition to pilot ejection training. The simulator uses various sensors attached to the body of the user to provide near real experience of a free fall based on models of various mountainous regions of Pakistan. It also accumulates data of the user response for performance improvement.

Among multiple other VR simulators were the Hadaf Small Arms Simulators; aimed at improving shooting accuracy and tactical skills, and virtual reality training simulators; operating on the concept of walking around with zero displacement

Among multiple other VR simulators were the Hadaf Small Arms Simulators; aimed at improving shooting accuracy and tactical skills, and virtual reality training simulators; operating on the concept of walking around with zero displacement. From the pavilion of National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP), DigiTrends, a local technology company, introduced their own state of the art VR simulation.

It simulated a warzone where paramedics preformed life-saving treatments based on real time scenarios, an achievement and an outcome of NASTP’s R&D setups dedicated to VR, offering complete eco-system to various start-ups, companies, and institutions to flourish in this field. The progress so far in VR based training modules and solutions is noteworthy.

With the current pace of advancement, it is only a matter of time before hyper-immersion weaves reality and fantasy together and makes users ask the very same question, “Is this real?” Until then, the wheels of progress in Pakistan in this area must keep turning.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.