On Monday, March 23rd, we opened the doors to Varjo HQ in Helsinki to explore how immersive technology is shaping real-world training and simulation. One theme came through clearly from the opening talks. Modern conflict is evolving faster than traditional training can keep up, and small, low-cost drones are at the center of everyone’s attention.
As Jarmo Lindberg, Member of Parliament and former Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, highlighted in his keynote, today’s battlefield combines high tech capability with high volume reality. In Ukraine, it has been described as “like WW1 trenches with drones flying on top.” The implication is clear. Training needs to adapt just as quickly as the threat itself.
That urgency was echoed by Varjo’s CEO Timo Toikkanen and Lassi Noponen, Director General of Business Finland, who emphasized the role of technology and the broader defense ecosystem in closing this gap.
Drones sit at the center of this shift. Fibre optic controlled systems cannot be jammed, making “traditional” signal-based countermeasures less effective and bringing more direct, analogue responses back into focus. In practice, this can mean engaging drones with firearms at medium to close range.
This creates a new kind of training challenge. How do you prepare for fast-changing, high-risk scenarios that are difficult to replicate in the real world? The answer is not more of the same. It is scale. Synthetic training enables faster, more flexible, and more scalable environments where individuals and teams can build real readiness.
This was reflected in the strong popularity of the AVS counter-drone simulator, a simulation which enables repeatable practice using shotguns to down drones. The queue for the demo demonstrated the level of interest in solutions that can help ensure infantry are as prepared as possible to protect themselves from this increasingly prominent threat.
Counter-Drone Simulator
Developed by Applied Virtual Simulation, this simulation demonstrated how XR can be used for C-UAS defense training, allowing users to learn to use audio and visual queues to track drones and shoot them out of the sky on approach. The experience featured Horizon Guardian by AVS, highlighting how immersive environments can support situational awareness and mission-critical decision making.
F/A-18 Fighter Jet Simulator
A standout of the event, this full physical F/A-18 cockpit built by Dogfight Boss and powered by MCS flight simulation software offered a highly realistic pilot training experience. Combining physical hardware with Varjo’s visual fidelity, the simulator delivers an unmatched level of immersion.
Tactical Combat and Emergency Care Simulation
Running BlueRoom XR, this mixed reality experience showcased how XR can be used for high pressure medical and combat training. The solution blends physical interaction with virtual scenarios, enabling users to practice critical decision making in realistic, dynamic environments.
Smart Segmentation
Also on display was a Varjo tech preview featuring real time AI driven smart segmentation. This technology demonstration showed how AI- based object recognition can enable dynamic separation and interaction with real world objects and people in mixed reality. Essentially making it much easier to pick and choose objects or people to be seamlessly blended into virtual environments.
Driving Simulation
The driving simulator, powered by One Arcs’ VBS4, demonstrated how XR is being used for vehicle training and mission rehearsal, combining high fidelity visuals with complex, scenario based environments.
To truly understand the power of XR and how it can help prepare and protect frontline operators in high-stakes environments, nothing replaces hands-on experience. We now offer demo opportunities around the world, giving you the chance to see it in action.