Rethinking training for the drone era - Varjo HQ Open House. At its Helsinki Open House, Varjo explored how XR is helping teams adapt to the realities of modern conflict and the growing impact of drone warfare. On Monday, March 23rd, Varjo 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. Demo Highlights 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 cues 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 OneArcs' VBS4, demonstrated how XR is being used for vehicle training and mission rehearsal, combining high fidelity visuals with complex, scenario based environments. Want to experience it for yourself? 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. Varjo now offer demo opportunities around the world, giving you the chance to see it in action. Book a live demo

New mixed-reality step moves training toward certification. Varjo and REISER Simulation and Training GmbH have announced that the REISER H145 D3 Mixed Reality Helicopter Simulator has been pre-qualified by the German Federal Aviation Office under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency Special Conditions framework. The milestone represents a step toward integrating mixed reality into EASA-recognized aviation training environments. The simulator includes a full-scale haptic cockpit and two fully instrumented XR crew stations, allowing pilots to rehearse Standard Operating Procedures, Crew Resource Management, checklist flows, and cross-checks in immersive settings. "REISER's XR Simulator is integrated with Varjo's latest XR-4 Series headsets that are purpose-built for mission-critical training. Together, we are enabling pilot training to take a fundamental leap toward virtual environments and are proud to work with REISER in driving the adoption of qualified, mixed reality-based Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs)," said Valentin Storz, Chief Revenue Officer of Varjo. The company believes the H145 D3 simulator is the first to combine mixed reality with a fully haptic cockpit. It is designed to operate within REISER's full-flight simulators using roll-on/roll-off cockpit technology, supporting consistent multi-crew training across environments. The H145 D3 XR simulator now holds Flight Training Device Level 3 pre-qualification privileges. Full certification is expected following completion of the required Flight Simulation Training Device Operator qualification process, anticipated in early 2026. The world's leading authority of safety training news! Civil Aviation Training - Military Simulation & Training - Safety Critical Training

Varjo announces a €44 million R&D project to advance next-gen XR training systems for global defense clients. Business Finland supports with €12 million funding. The initiative aims to enhance Varjo's role as a key tech supplier for NATO and allies. In 2024, 98% of Varjo's revenue was from outside Finland. The funding will boost Varjo's global expansion and contribute to economic benefits through innovation and technological expertise.