CymSTAR’s CymLITE-FPV offers NATO forces advanced simulation for FPV drone operator training, enhancing multi-domain readiness and operational realism

At this year’s Paris Air Show, CymSTAR unveiled a tool that addresses a growing challenge for military commanders: training FPV drone operators for actual combat scenarios rather than isolated flying exercises. The CymLITE-FPV module lets drone operators work alongside pilots of manned aircraft, ground vehicle crews and command posts in shared virtual environments.
FPV drones demand different training than traditional unmanned systems. Operators must manage multiple feed sources, coordinate with friendly forces and adapt to rapidly changing tactical situations. Standard flight simulators cannot replicate the complexity of modern multi-domain operations where a single mission involves air, ground and cyber elements working together.
NATO forces increasingly need operators who can function across domains. Recent conflicts have demonstrated that drone operations rarely occur in isolation – they form part of larger tactical pictures involving manned aircraft, ground forces and electronic warfare systems. Military simulation research shows that multi-domain training reduces costs by over 50% compared to live exercises whilst improving operator readiness.
CymLITE-FPV goes beyond standard drone simulators by embedding unmanned operations within larger scenarios. Operators train for ISR missions whilst coordinating with reconnaissance aircraft overhead, practice swarm tactics whilst managing airspace deconfliction with friendly helicopters, and rehearse strike missions integrated with ground force movements. This approach reflects how FPV drones actually operate in combat environments.
The system uses the Mission Combat Simulator platform, which provides high-fidelity terrain modelling, urban clutter effects and environmental conditions that affect drone performance. This creates training opportunities that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to replicate with live aircraft.
The system operates through Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) protocol, a standard used by NATO and allied forces for networked training environments. DIS enables real-time communication between different simulation systems, allowing drone operators in one location to train with tank crews in another facility and fighter pilots in a third location.
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Operators can practice complex ISR missions where drones provide overwatch for ground patrols whilst sharing data feeds with command posts. Teams rehearse swarm tactics involving multiple FPV units coordinated through a single operator interface. Mixed crews train for airspace deconfliction scenarios where drones must operate alongside helicopters, transport aircraft and artillery fires.
The technology integrates with existing ground control stations and command systems, allowing units to train using their actual equipment interfaces rather than simplified simulator controls. This removes the disconnect between training and operational environments that often hampers skill transfer.
The practical implications extend beyond training effectiveness to programme costs and personnel development. Traditional live drone training requires dedicated airspace, support personnel and expensive flight hours. Simulation-based training programmes allow forces to conduct complex multi-drone exercises without these constraints.
The U.S. Army plans to deploy FPV drones at squad and platoon levels by fiscal year 2026, requiring rapid upskilling of personnel across multiple units. The Marine Corps established its Attack Drone Team in early 2025, focusing on tactical integration and swarm tactics development. Both services need training systems that can handle the scale of operator education required whilst maintaining operational security.
Simulation allows forces to rehearse scenarios that would be impossible to conduct safely with live systems. Operators can practice GPS-denied navigation, electronic warfare responses and kinetic strike procedures without risk to personnel or equipment. Units can experiment with new tactics and equipment configurations before committing to expensive live exercises.
‘We are anticipating future requirements and taking a proactive approach,’ said Daniel Marticello, President and CEO of CymSTAR. ‘With CymLITE-FPV, we’re enabling FPV drone training to evolve within a mission-ready, scalable simulation framework. We’re bringing the same rigor to unmanned systems that we’ve applied to manned aviation and joint training.’
The collaboration with U.S. Military Academy researchers ensures the system reflects actual operational requirements rather than theoretical training models. This partnership provides ongoing feedback from personnel who understand both current operational needs and emerging tactical developments.
The system adapts to new drone models and control devices without requiring complete programme redesigns. Units can integrate their specific equipment configurations and tactical procedures into the simulation environment. Custom terrain databases allow forces to train for specific operational areas using accurate geographical and environmental data.
After-action review capabilities link simulated performance to real-world mission improvement. Teams can analyse coordination failures, communication breakdowns and tactical decisions in recorded scenarios. This bridges the gap between training and operational learning, allowing units to refine procedures based on both simulated and actual mission experience.
The system supports desktop, deployable and VR/MR configurations, providing training flexibility for garrison and forward-deployed units. This adaptability addresses the reality that modern military forces operate from diverse locations with varying infrastructure capabilities.
CymSTAR plans to pursue SBIR and WERX pathways to accelerate integration with U.S. military training programmes. The company expects to expand the system to cover additional drone types and mission profiles as operational requirements evolve.
The development reflects how training requirements continue to drive simulator technology rather than the reverse. As FPV drones become standard equipment across military units, training systems must provide realistic preparation for their complex operational roles.