The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has certified and authorised the use of the Ukrainian-made FIM-92 Stinger simulator system within the Armed Forces. It is the latest tool for training operators of FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air defence systems.
American FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS have been in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces since the early days of the full-scale invasion. Thanks to its infrared homing system, the Stinger can effectively lock onto the heat signature of a Shahed and destroy it with a direct hit.
It is noted that the effectiveness of the FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS depends significantly on the level of operator training.
Training personnel requires considerable resources, including systems for studying components and assemblies, missiles, cooling units, power supply units, and shock absorption systems.
The use of simulators minimises these costs.
The FIM-92 Stinger laser simulator is identical to the combat MANPADS, replicating its dimensions, weight and operational algorithm.
The simulator allows operators to practise the full cycle of actions:
- detection of an air target;
- acquisition;
- tracking;
- firing;
- hit confirmation.
Unmanned aerial vehicles are used as targets, simulating various types of threats, including UAVs, cruise missiles, aeroplanes and helicopters.
The simulator records the accuracy of the operator’s actions, including target detection speed, guidance accuracy and correct launch execution.
The instructor processes and analyses the data received, adjusts the training process, and improves the effectiveness of the training programme.
The laser simulator system can be deployed within 10 minutes and used in field conditions in any weather.
This enables operators’ skills to be honed to the point of automatic response, thereby increasing the combat effectiveness of the FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS.
Previously, the Ministry of Defence approved the use of the Chaika and Chaika-M (Mukho-boyka) simulators by the Armed Forces of Ukraine for training in the destruction of FPV drones, Lancet loitering munitions and Shahed drones. Using these simulators, military personnel practise effective firing with Igla and Stinger MANPADS, DShK and M2 machine guns, as well as small arms.