Norway delivers XR training systems to Ukraine

Varjo has been selected as the extended reality technology provider for an immersive armored vehicle training program now being deployed for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as part of a Nordic defense technology collaboration with Norway’s Fynd Reality.

The system is already being fielded in Ukraine and is designed to support familiarization, procedural training, and maintenance instruction across multiple combat vehicles, including the Leopard 2A4 main battle tank.

According to the companies, this lack of hands-on access increases training delays, raises operational risk, and limits the ability of newly assigned crews and support personnel to prepare before entering active combat zones. The XR-based system is intended to close that gap by allowing soldiers to train in a secure virtual environment before reaching the front.

The training package combines Varjo XR-4 Secure Edition headsets with Fynd Reality’s CORE XR software platform, creating a multi-user immersive training environment designed for defense use.

The systems were delivered to Ukraine through Norway’s Nansen Program, the country’s largest aid initiative, under contract with the Norwegian Defense Material Agency (NDMA).

The total project value is NOK 82.5 million, equivalent to approximately $8.3 million, with 39 XR systems delivered in the initial rollout.

The system is designed to support both crew-level tank familiarization and maintenance procedures, allowing personnel to practice tasks ranging from internal vehicle procedures to equipment servicing and coordinated crew drills.

This is particularly relevant for Ukraine, where armored vehicles such as the Leopard 2A4 are often deployed continuously on the front line and cannot easily be withdrawn for extended training cycles.

Varjo CEO Timo Toikkanen said, “XR training is solving a real operational challenge in Ukraine, where access to vehicles and safe training environments is severely limited. Varjo’s technology is built for mission-critical training use cases where security, reliability, and visual accuracy are paramount.”

Fynd Reality said it has been supporting virtual training for Ukrainian defense operators since 2023, with the platform designed to accelerate preparation not only for vehicle crews but also for personnel operating alongside armored units in combat areas. This allows soldiers to rehearse procedures, crew coordination, emergency drills, and maintenance tasks without requiring a physical vehicle.

The company said the platform supports multi-user scenario-based training in extended reality, enabling units to train collectively in simulated operational conditions.

Fynd Reality CEO Knut Henrik Aas said, “We are providing Ukraine with a novel training capability that has already been validated in NATO environments and adapted to meet Ukraine’s operational requirements.”

The companies also said that after the initial deployment, Ukrainian partners will develop training content locally, creating a longer-term in-country capability for simulation-based instruction.