The largest hardware prototyping facility in India, T-Works, is situated in Hyderabad and is entering the high-tech defense industry by creating and producing sophisticated flight simulators for fighter aircraft.
This calculated action attempts to lessen the nation’s need on expensive imports from the US and Europe, where modern simulators are purchased at exorbitant prices—often hundreds of crores per unit.\
The initiative’s main goal is to create cutting-edge simulation systems that can accurately depict real-world combat situations and the intricacies of contemporary fighter cockpits. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and other defense stakeholders will be able to practice a variety of operational situations without the dangers and costs associated with actual flying thanks to these simulators, which will support both pilot training and mission rehearsal.
India presently imports a majority of flight simulators for combat and transport aircraft, making acquisition expensive and servicing dependent on foreign OEMs. By developing these systems domestically, T-Works’ program could cut costs by nearly one-third while also ensuring long-term self-reliance in maintenance, software upgrades, and mission-specific customisations.
The upcoming simulators are expected to integrate augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), advanced cockpit instrumentation, and physics-accurate aerodynamics models to ensure realistic training. Integration of AI-based enemy and environment modelling will help pilots prepare for dynamic threats, including electronic warfare scenarios. The systems are also expected to be modular, allowing adaptation for different aircraft platforms including TEJAS, Su-30MKI, Rafale, and upcoming AMCA.
Local development of fighter simulators will provide significant strategic benefits. Apart from financial savings, India will no longer risk training disruptions due to export restrictions, licensing issues, or geopolitical shifts. The move also aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat program and the government’s ambition to make India a global hub for defence simulation exports.
T-Works’ leap into this domain offers opportunities for collaboration with HAL, DRDO, private defence start-ups, and the IAF’s training command.
There will be major strategic advantages to local fighter simulator development. In addition to saving money, India will no longer have to worry about training interruptions brought on by export limitations, license problems, or changes in geopolitics. The action is also in line with the government’s goal of making India a major exporter of defense simulations worldwide and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Opportunities for cooperation with HAL, DRDO, private defense start-ups, and the IAF’s training command are presented by T-Works’ foray into this field.