Against this backdrop, BAE Systems, in close partnership with the Saudi-British Defence Co-operation Programme (SBDCP) continues to support the development journey of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Technical Studies Institute (TSI) by delivering advanced training solutions that combine technological innovation, educational expertise and practical application.
In recent years, education and training have placed growing emphasis on modern technologies, making the learning experience more interactive and more closely aligned with the requirements of real-world practice. At TSI, this approach responds to a pressing need within military technical training for more modern and flexible methods that inspire trainees, broaden their understanding and strengthen their grasp of technical and applied curricula.
Over the past four years, BAE Systems has focused its efforts on research and development, as well as on trialling technology solutions suited to the nature of technical training. This has helped deliver clearer, more interactive learning content and enabled trainees to move smoothly from theoretical knowledge to full practical understanding.
To achieve a step change in training delivery, a range of advanced learning technologies has been adopted, most notably virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and e-learning. Through AR, interactive digital information can be added to the real-world environment, helping trainees visualise systems and equipment and understand their components with greater clarity and accuracy. VR, in turn, provides immersive simulation environments that enable trainees to practise technical procedures in a safe setting, giving them opportunities for repetition and experimentation without exposure to the risks associated with training on actual equipment. These modern technologies help improve comprehension, enhance safety and reduce continuous reliance on physical training equipment, while also creating wider opportunities for self-directed learning and flexible training. In addition, digital tools such as mobile devices and learning resource centres improve trainees’ access to learning materials, instructional videos and technical guides, making the training process smoother and more efficient.
The “Classroom of the Future” concept represents a pioneering step in this direction. It offers a comprehensive vision for a technology-enabled training environment that brings together immersive experience, direct interaction and self-directed learning. The concept is based on developing learning solutions that use VR, AR and e-learning materials, alongside modern training tools designed to support different learning styles, encourage collaboration and provide immediate feedback to trainers and trainees alike. This environment includes innovative technologies such as Learning Glass, which enables trainers to explain and write while maintaining eye contact with trainees during live streaming, with the added ability to record and reuse lessons. It also includes AR applications linked to aircraft systems and maintenance procedures, as well as VR experiences for virtual tours of aircraft hangars and tool control, opening up broad opportunities to deliver more realistic and interactive training. Haptic technologies add another dimension to the experience by simulating the sense of touch and enhancing muscle memory, helping trainees consolidate acquired knowledge and connect it with practical application. In addition, 3D-printed technology stands, height-adjustable desks and modern educational hardware solutions help create a flexible training environment that can evolve as new technology opportunities emerge.
This development is not limited to the introduction of individual technical tools. Rather, it is moving towards an integrated training ecosystem that seamlessly connects content, the learning environment and performance measurement. This ecosystem is supported by training management solutions that enable the analysis, design, delivery and quality assurance of training programmes, alongside digital capabilities that help personalise learning and integrate existing and new materials into an interactive learning experience covering documents, videos, presentations and virtual materials. In this context, advanced solutions such as Obrizum provide artificial intelligence capabilities for creating and personalising digital learning content and measuring its impact, thereby supporting self-directed learning and data-driven decision-making. The Aquila Learning training management system also provides a platform aligned with the Defence Systems Approach to Training (DSAT), supporting the training cycle from analysis and design through to delivery and quality assurance, while providing data that can be analysed to monitor performance and continuously improve the learning experience. As a result, the classroom is transformed from a traditional space for receiving knowledge into a dynamic, practice-based environment that can keep pace with evolving technologies and the requirements of modern technical training, while connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application more consistently and effectively.
As part of this development journey, TSI was awarded full institutional military academic accreditation by the National Center for Military Academic Evaluation and Accreditation, part of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission. This achievement reflects the maturity of TSI’s training ecosystem and the quality of the institute’s learning environment. The seven-year accreditation represents a milestone in the development of military technical training and tangible evidence of the impact of sustained institutional work in enhancing quality and readiness. This achievement is not merely an institutional accreditation; it also demonstrates the importance of investing in a modern training ecosystem that combines technology, educational expertise and academic discipline, while supporting TSI’s ability to continue its role in preparing qualified technical talent to meet future requirements.
These advanced technologies have brought about a step change in the qualification pathway for TSI graduates. The adoption of this modern approach reflects BAE Systems’ firm commitment to leading innovation-driven training and continuing its active contribution to the advancement of military technical training through integrated solutions that bring together modern technology, academic knowledge and practical expertise, in partnership with the SBDCP and the RSAF. As the “Classroom of the Future” concept continues to evolve, and as VR, AR and training management systems are deployed more widely, the impact of these solutions now goes beyond reducing operational costs and enhancing safety standards to include a more efficient and effective learning experience. This technological integration helps reinforce TSI’s position as an advanced centre of excellence in technical training, capable of preparing promising, qualified talent in line with the latest global standards to meet future requirements.