By Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
Artificial intelligence (AI) now generates fast-changing combat scenarios injected into Israeli Air Force (IAF) simulators to give combat pilots realistic preparation for rapidly evolving threats, including armed drones. AI in these advanced simulators supports scenario generation, threat simulation and rapid updates based on real-world battlefield data.
AI in IAF Mission Training
IAF simulators at sites such as Hatzor air base replicate complex combat and emergency situations that cannot be safely tested in actual aircraft. Instructors manage virtual air traffic control, wingmen and ground threats, dynamically adapting the scenarios to student performance in real time.
The AI capabilities have been fully integrated into the IAF Mission Training Center (MTC), a networked, mission-oriented training environment. The MTC supports multi-cockpit training with realistic aircraft systems and mission profiles for pilots at all levels.
Elbit Systems’ Mission Training Center
Developed by Elbit Systems together with current and former IAF pilots, the MTC is designed to mirror modern air combat conditions. Its interconnected systems allow pilots to plan, rehearse, execute and debrief full missions in a synthetic but highly accurate environment.
Elbit describes its arena generator as capable of running more than 3,500 scenarios, including “smart entities” with market-leading artificial intelligence. This enables a wide range of threat, terrain and operational variations to be introduced quickly as new intelligence emerges.
From Battlefield Data to Simulator
During active conflicts, the IAF feeds fresh battlefield data, such as drone threats of different sizes and profiles, directly to Elbit Systems, which developed the simulation center. This continuous data flow helps ensure pilots train against the latest tactics, techniques and procedures used by adversaries.
The MTC covers all stages of a mission, from planning and rehearsal to live execution training and detailed post-mission debriefing. AI-enhanced analytics within the system support performance assessment and refinement of both individual and team tactics.
From Simulator to Real World
According to sources, AI-driven simulation has been critical in preparing IAF pilots for a new class of threat: armed Iranian drones. The first such encounter occurred at 1:50 a.m. on March 13, 2021, when two Iranian armed drones approached Israel from the south after taking off from Iran. The two Shahed 179 UAVs were detected by a combination of an IAF airborne early warning aircraft and ground radars and were subsequently downed by IAF F‑35s. The Shahed 179 has a wingspan of about 2.5 meters, a maximum speed of 120 km/h and a range of roughly 3,000 km.
Following this first-of-its-kind interception, IAF simulators were updated using AI to train pilots on how best to counter the fast-emerging Iranian drone threat. New AI-generated scenarios incorporated evolving enemy tactics, flight profiles and swarm behaviors observed in the field.
These enhanced training capabilities contributed to the interception of many Iranian drones targeting Israel. The IAF’s experience underscores how AI-enabled simulators can compress the timeline from “first encounter” to “optimized defensive doctrine” in modern air warfare.