The Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a procurement contract for an indigenous virtual reality-based Part-Task Trainer (PTT) designed for the Mirage-2000 combat aircraft, marking a further step in the adoption of simulation-based training technologies for its fighter fleet.
The system has been developed by New Delhi-based deep-tech start-up Threye Interactive Pvt Ltd under the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative. The Mirage-2000 Part-Task Trainer originated from Defence India Start-up Challenge-5, which included a requirement for developing a trainer for the upgraded Mirage-2000 aircraft.
The trainer uses virtual reality, flight simulation and networking technologies to provide a controlled environment for practising selected aircraft functions and mission-related procedures. Unlike a full-flight simulator, a part-task trainer focuses on specific cockpit functions, aircraft systems and operational tasks, allowing aircrew to repeat procedures without using an operational fighter aircraft.
Threye describes its Mirage-2000 training solution as an immersive flight training device designed for high-fidelity simulation of aircraft performance, systems and combat-related activities. The company says its architecture can also be adapted for different fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms.
The procurement follows trials of the system on the Mirage-2000 platform by the Indian Air Force. Its induction is expected to support structured aircrew training while reducing the requirement to use frontline aircraft for selected training activities. Repeated practice through simulation can also help reduce aircraft operating hours and associated training costs.
The development is part of the broader effort to move indigenous defence technologies from prototype and trial stages towards actual service procurement. The official iDEX challenge specifically identified the development of a Part Task Trainer for the Mirage-2000 upgrade aircraft as a requirement.
Threye has also developed an AR/VR-based technical training system for Mirage-2000 ground crews, covering maintenance procedures, system checks and fault-diagnosis training without requiring operational aircraft for every training activity. The company states that this system has been accepted and deployed by the IAF.
The latest contract therefore adds another indigenous simulation capability to the IAF’s training ecosystem and demonstrates the progression of an iDEX-developed technology from a defence innovation challenge and trials towards service-level procurement.