Kuala lumpur: The use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in fighter aircraft maintenance training by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is now setting a new benchmark in efforts to minimise the risk of damage to strategic assets worth millions of ringgit. HeiTech Defence System Sdn Bhd (HeiTech Defence) Chief Executive Officer, Rasyad Anwar said the innovation known as the Simulator Integrated Maintenance Aircraft System (SIMAS) was specifically developed to ensure RMAF technical personnel can undergo practical training without involving actual aircraft.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 'Through SIMAS, we provide 70 technical VR training modules, covering critical tasks such as engine maintenance and tyre replacement for Sukhoi (Su-30MKM) aircraft. Even minor errors during maintenance training on actual aircraft can result in technical damage with significant costs.' This technology enables technical personnel to train in a safe digital environment, thereby eliminating human errors that could compromise the integrity of national defence assets, he said at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2026 exhibition.
In addition to maintenance, Rasyad said the company has also established a simulation centre for operational training of Su-30MKM fighter jets at the RMAF Gong Kedak Air Base in Terengganu, the only facility of its kind in the Asian region. The simulation centre houses two system sets capable of conducting online mission training, replicating real flight environments and scenarios.
Rasyad stated the simulation system is part of the company's digital training ecosystem, which also includes a War Simulation Game. 'The system is capable of analysing speed profiles, radar capabilities and weapons systems through integration of topographical data from the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM),' he said.
According to Rasyad, HeiTech Defence has successfully carried out reverse engineering of physical components of the Sukhoi aircraft simulator, such as the cockpit unit and joystick, ensuring a full 1:1 ratio match with the original aircraft's functions. 'The achievement of maintaining a 100 per cent simulator readiness record with zero downtime for the Sukhoi Squadron since 2010 proves that local expertise is capable of maintaining these advanced simulation systems at an optimal level,' he said.
He further added that the achievement has also attracted international interest, with HeiTech Defence currently in the process of providing consultancy services to Brunei and exploring strategic collaboration in Indonesia to expand Malaysia's simulation training technology at the regional level.