The Indian Army has introduced a cutting-edge wind tunnel, a pioneering facility of its kind within its ranks. This advanced wind tunnel provides a controlled environment, allowing military trainees to hone their skills by replicating real-life free-fall scenarios. The Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT), the first of its kind in the Indian Army, was officially inaugurated at a training school in Himachal Pradesh. During the inauguration, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande conducted the event virtually, as announced by the defense ministry in a recent statement.

Officials have stated that the wind tunnel located at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Bakloh will enhance the Combat Free Fall (CFF) skills of armed forces personnel.

"As part of the ongoing transformation of the Indian Army, technology is being infused into the training methodologies. Installation of a VWT is also a step in that direction," the statement said.

The Army has highlighted that integrating the VWT into the CFF training curriculum at SFTS offers numerous benefits. The system plays a vital role in simulating diverse free fall scenarios, which is essential for evaluating individual responses in an airborne operational setting.

“It reduces potential instability in the air and during parachute deployment thereby assisting trainees to get used to freefall conditions. The VWT is not only beneficial for beginners but also an exceptional resource for delivering advanced training to seasoned free-fallers and CFF instructors,” the statement said.

The ministry stated that installing the first VWT aligns with the current focus on modernizing the training infrastructure in the Indian Army.

"This project, a first-of-its-kind in the Indian Army, will deliver simulated training on combat free fall to the special forces. It is poised to greatly enhance the operational readiness of the future-ready Indian Army, ensuring that the special forces are fully prepared to tackle contemporary challenges of current and future battlefields. It promises faster and more precise training results," it added.

This state-of-the-art facility provides a controlled environment for military trainees to refine their Combat Free Fall (CFF) skills by simulating real-life scenarios. Its integration into the training curriculum demonstrates the Army's commitment to modernization, ensuring that armed forces personnel can better prepare for the challenges of an airborne operating environment.

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