Announcement

Zen Technologies, a global leader in defence training simulation and counter‑drone solutions, announced on 27 October 2026 the launch of Africa's first AI‑enabled Combat Training Centre (CTC) at the AFRIDEX 2026 exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria. The press release, issued from Mumbai, India, positions the CTC as a response to the persistent readiness gap faced by African armed forces operating in increasingly complex asymmetric threat environments.

CTC Capabilities

The Combat Training Centre is described as a fully integrated training ecosystem that combines live‑fire ranges, force‑on‑force engagement systems, simulator‑based marksmanship training, and a dedicated Shoot House for close‑quarters battle (CQB) drills. It supports training from platoon to brigade level and is designed for both conventional warfare preparation and Militarized Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) or counter‑terrorism missions. Key components include:

  • Smart live‑fire shooting ranges employing STS® and MFTS® systems for precision hit detection and reflex shooting training.
  • Force‑on‑force engagement platforms such as Zen TacSim® and ACTS, which are Instrumented Tactical Systems (ITS) that simulate opposed‑fire combat scenarios.
  • Simulator‑based modules covering infantry weapons, machine guns, and automatic grenade launchers to develop marksmanship and judgmental shooting skills.
  • A central control room that enables real‑time monitoring of all training activities and facilitates After Action Review (AAR) for post‑exercise analysis.
  • A common operating picture that unifies live, virtual, and constructive training elements under a single integrated system, allowing scalable training levels and dual‑mode readiness.

AI‑Derived Combat Readiness Score (CRS)

A distinctive feature of the CTC is Zen's proprietary Combat Readiness Score (CRS), an AI‑derived metric that analyses data captured during training sessions. The CRS replaces subjective assessments by objectively measuring and tracking the combat preparedness of forces over time, providing a quantifiable indicator of readiness.

Integrated Naval Training Centre

In addition to land‑based capabilities, the CTC incorporates an integrated Naval Training Centre equipped with advanced simulation systems. The naval portfolio includes Bridge Operations, Fast Attack Craft (FAC) training, Action Speed Tactical Trainer (ASTT), Combat Information Centre (CIC) simulations, Submarine Operations, Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) training, Machinery Operations Simulators, and other specialised solutions. These systems aim to deliver realistic, immersive, mission‑oriented training for naval personnel, enhancing decision‑making and operational skills in a controlled environment.

Company Background

Zen Technologies was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Hyderabad, India. Over its more than three‑decade history, the company has developed a portfolio of over 50 products, filed more than 200 patents, and shipped in excess of 10,000 systems worldwide. Zen equips armed forces, police, and paramilitary organisations with realistic, combat‑proven training and force‑protection systems.

Disclaimer

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