The Finnish Defence Forces and Varjo are piloting mixed reality training with a brigade-level unit to help soldiers detect and counter small attack drones. The project uses Varjo XR-4 Series headsets to bring virtual drone threats into a real training environment.
The headsets use outward-facing cameras to show soldiers their surroundings, with computer-generated drones added to the view. Soldiers can practise detecting and engaging those drones without flying actual aircraft.
The partnership aims to develop training around military operational needs. Major Ville Kuparinen, head of the Finnish Defence Forces Innovation Unit, describes the pilot as an opportunity to rehearse drone threats repeatedly without consuming real resources and to learn how virtual training can be used more effectively in military instruction.
