Bridging the Gap Between Defence Needs and Real-World Training: Insights from DSET 2025
This week, I had the privilege of representing Varjo at DSET 2025 in Bristol, one of the most important events in the world of defence simulation, education, and training. More than just a conference, DSET plays a crucial role in bringing the industry closer to the people on the front lines, helping bridge critical communication gaps between what’s needed, what’s wanted, and what’s possible.
An Unforgettable Moment from the Front Line
While many talks and panels stood out, one moment left a deep impression on me. A frontline Ukrainian soldier shared raw images from the battlefield and spoke about the challenge of training new recruits to recognize the difference between friendly and enemy fire. He explained that when it’s enemy fire, recruits need to drop, instantly.
It was a powerful reminder that instinctive, split-second decision-making comes from experience but also that these life-saving instincts can, and should, be safely developed through immersive simulation.
What We Showcased at Varjo
At the Varjo booth, we shared how our soldier-first approach to training helps meet today’s defence challenges. We showcased:
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True Immersion: Ultra-realistic visuals that train real-world reactions and decisions.
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Military-Grade Certifications: Systems that meet and exceed standards, including certified pilot training hours by EASA and accredited JTAC training approved by UK MOD
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Blending Physical and Virtual Worlds: Mixed reality environments where trainees handle real equipment while engaging in virtual scenarios.
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Collective & Multi-Domain Training: Tools like the RVCT (Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer) that enable coordinated training across multiple domains, allowing teams to train together in shared virtual spaces, no matter the domain.
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Safe Space to Fail and Learn: Controlled environments where mistakes become learning opportunities.
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Emotional and Physical Realism: Experiences so convincing they create lasting muscle memory and emotional resilience.
Key Takeaways
DSET was a vivid reminder that the gap between industry and defence isn’t just technical, it’s human. It’s about listening to those who serve, understanding their realities, and building solutions that make a real-world difference. At Varjo, we’re proud to be part of this effort, delivering tools that prepare today’s soldiers for tomorrow’s challenges.
Thank you to everyone who visited, shared ideas, and helped shape these important conversations. We’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what immersive training can do.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VARJO’S XR TRAINING AND SIMULATION SOLUTIONS