During Interpolitex 2017 arms exhibition a Russian startup company called TechArms has introduced a blank fire laser engagement training system. It is similar to MILES system, however, TechArms solution is available both for the military/LE and civilian markets.

The system consists of a weapon mounted laser and the electronics built into the firearm’s receiver (particularly AK receiver). The electronics of the system is a flat plate installed below the left rail of the AK receiver. It is barely seen in the above image. The plate doesn’t interfere with the action. It is made to be able to withstand exposure to water, heat, vibration, cleaning compounds and lubricants.

The second part of the system consists of a small wearable control processor and a number of sensors which detect the laser beam projected onto them. Each trigger pull shoots a laser beam along with firing a blank cartridge. If the laser engages the “enemy”, the sensors detect and report the hit. The sensors can be also placed on different body parts and programmed accordingly. For example, those installed on the head and torso might be programmed to report a lethal hit, whereas those on legs and hands may consider the engagement as a non-lethal wound.

TechArms is offering two versions of this system. One has a smaller laser transmitter (see the above image) and batteries integrated into the stock of the rifle. The second version has a larger laser shown in the image below with the batteries inside the laser device body itself.

The processor of the system is capable of recording the amount of fired rounds, changes of safety selector lever positions, magazine changes, manual charging of the action and other statistical data.

Another interesting feature is that the rifle doesn’t have to be a dedicated blank firing only one. You can install it on a real rifle and simply use it with blank ammunition whenever there is a need for such training.

This system is effective to up to 700 meters. The company plans to add a satellite navigation feature which will allow the system to record the movements of trainees on the field. The company suggests the domestic customers to let them install it on customers’ rifles to eliminate any installation errors. However, it can also be user installed.

The TechArm representatives also told me that they can ship this product to the USA. Moreover, they are considering to adjust it to the AR-15 platform, too.