Drone Warfare Simulator Now Training Ukrainian Troops

Varjo has expanded its support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces with the delivery of an XR simulator designed to train soldiers for counter-drone operations.

The simulator, Horizon Guardian, was developed by Australian company Applied Virtual Simulation and is integrated with the Varjo XR-4 Series headset. With drones accounting for 70-80% of casualties in Ukraine, the simulator is designed to replicate the pressures, sounds, and pace soldiers face on the frontline.

The simulator is currently undergoing trials with the Australian Defence Force and is also being used in Ukraine. It builds on Varjo's existing training work in the country, including a partnership with Fynd Reality, as part of Norway's Nansen Program, that has delivered 39 XR training systems for vehicle familiarisation, procedural, and maintenance training, including for the Leopard 2A4 tank.

A study by the Military Institute of Tank Troops of NTU "KhPI," led by Ihor Barkatov, found that 65% of Ukrainian cadets found XR-based training to be the most effective training platform, while 67% said VR and digital tools gave them the best understanding of functional responsibilities.

In 2024, Varjo also worked with Czech company Dogfight Boss to deliver an F-16 mixed reality cockpit simulator to Ukraine for pilot training.

"Varjo's mixed reality technology is solving a real operational challenge in Ukraine, and the latest counter-UAS simulator from Applied Virtual Simulation further demonstrates the need for agility, innovation, and speed in designing military training solutions that bridge the gap between preparation and reality," said Timo Toikkanen, CEO of Varjo.