Zen Technologies Announces Africa’s First AI‑Enabled Combat Training Centre

Zen Technologies, a global leader in defence training simulation and counter‑drone solutions headquartered in Hyderabad, India, unveiled Africa’s first AI‑enabled Combat Training Centre (CTC) during the AFRIDEX 2026 exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria on 27 October 2026.

The CTC is presented as a fully integrated combat training ecosystem that combines live‑fire ranges, force‑on‑force engagement systems, simulator‑based marksmanship training, a dedicated Shoot House for close‑quarters battle (CQB) drills, and an advanced Naval Training Centre, all unified under a single Common Operating Picture. The centre is designed to train forces from platoon to brigade level and supports both conventional warfare preparation and Militarized Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) / counter‑terrorism missions.

Key technical components include:

  • AI‑derived Combat Readiness Score (CRS) – an artificial‑intelligence metric that analyses data captured during training sessions to objectively measure and track combat preparedness over time, replacing traditional subjective assessments.
  • Smart live‑fire shooting ranges equipped with STS® and MFTS® systems for precision hit detection and reflex shooting training.
  • Force‑on‑force engagement training using Zen TacSim® and ACTS, which are Instrumented Tactical Systems (ITS) that simulate opposed‑fire combat scenarios.
  • Shoot House for room‑clearing and CQB drills.
  • Simulator‑based training covering infantry weapons, machine guns, and automatic grenade launchers to develop marksmanship and judgmental shooting skills.
  • Central Control Room that enables real‑time monitoring of all training activity and facilitates After Action Review (AAR) for post‑exercise analysis.
  • Common Operating Picture that unifies live, virtual, and constructive training elements into a single integrated system.
  • Scalable training levels allowing the centre to support forces ranging from platoon to brigade size.
  • Dual‑mode readiness capability designed for both conventional warfare and MOUT/counter‑terrorism operations.

The integrated Naval Training Centre expands the CTC’s multi‑domain capabilities with simulation and training systems for Bridge Operations, Fast Attack Craft (FAC), Action Speed Tactical Trainer (ASTT), Combat Information Centre (CIC), Submarine Operations, Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), and Machinery Operations Simulators, enabling naval personnel to develop operational skills and decision‑making in a controlled, immersive environment.

Company background: Zen Technologies was founded in 1993 and has over three decades of experience equipping armed forces, police, and paramilitary organisations. The company’s portfolio comprises more than 50 products, it has filed over 200 patents, and it has shipped more than 10,000 systems worldwide.

Implications: The launch positions Zen Technologies as a pioneer in AI‑driven combat training within the African defence market, addressing a noted readiness gap where African armed forces have historically allocated defence spending toward equipment rather than training infrastructure.