The Indian Air Force has signed a procurement contract for a virtual reality-based Part-Task Trainer for its Mirage-2000 fleet, advancing an indigenous iDEX-de…

The Indian Air Force has signed a procurement contract for a virtual reality-based Part-Task Trainer for its Mirage-2000 fleet, advancing an indigenous iDEX-developed simulation system from trials to operational acquisition. Developed by Delhi-based deep-tech start-up Threye Interactive, the trainer is designed to enable aircrew to practise specific cockpit functions, aircraft systems and mission procedures without using operational fighter aircraft

New Delhi, Sept 2026 : The Indian Air Force has signed a procurement contract for a virtual reality-based Part-Task Trainer for the Mirage-2000 combat aircraft, marking another step in the induction of an indigenous simulation technology developed under the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative

The system has been developed by New Delhi-based deep-technology start-up Threye Interactive Pvt Ltd under the Defence India Start-up Challenge-5 in the modelling and simulation category. It was specifically developed for the Mirage-2000 I/TI fleet and uses virtual reality, flight simulation and real-time networking technologies to create a controlled training environment

The procurement follows trials conducted by the Indian Air Force on the Mirage-2000 platform. The move from testing to procurement indicates the service’s interest in using immersive simulation as part of structured aircrew training and reducing reliance on live aircraft sorties for selected procedures and mission rehearsal

Unlike full-flight simulators that seek to reproduce an entire aircraft and its operating environment, part-task trainers focus on specific cockpit functions, systems and mission elements. This allows aircrew to repeatedly practise complex procedures without placing an operational fighter aircraft at risk

The Threye system is a compact, PC-based trainer capable of supporting both individual and group training. It can be configured for virtual reality as well as non-virtual reality training, providing flexibility for different instructional requirements

The VR-based configuration offers an immersive environment for practising aircraft systems, combat manoeuvres and coordinated large-force engagement scenarios. Such training can allow personnel to familiarise themselves with procedures and cockpit tasks before undertaking corresponding activities during live flying

The use of simulation can also help improve the availability of frontline aircraft by reducing the number of training activities that need to be conducted on operational platforms. Repeated simulator-based practice can potentially lower operating expenses, reduce airframe usage and provide trainees with opportunities to rehearse procedures in a controlled setting

The trainer’s modular architecture could also provide scope for adaptation to other fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, depending on future service requirements and the integration needs of individual aircraft types