Virtual Reality Could be the New Training Reality for British Military Military Monitor Follow Apr 2 · 2 min read

British Army tests innovative virtual reality training

The British military has planned to introduce virtual reality as a progressive way to conduct its conventional training sessions, in a renewed manner. The Ministry of Defense (MoD) recently announced plans to test its first virtual military training platform, which is based on augmented reality, to be added as a part of the field training.



With a pandemic like COVID-19 on the rise, it has become necessary for all individuals to practice social distancing, especially the defense forces. The men and women serving in the military are being deployed by the government to help fight the spread of COVID-19, increasing the significance of their role in the society. Therefore, their readiness, availability, safety and innovative approaches, are of utmost importance at all times, especially at present, considering the circumstances.



Virtual Reality for the Military

The British Armed Forces announced plans of testing their first virtual military training platform, hinting that the technology will very soon be introduced to the defense sector. The MoD’s VR simulator is programmed on Fortnite game’s engine. The said development has been made in the benefit of Britain’s defense sector. It isn’t just the armed force, but also the marines and air forces who will get the benefit of the new training program on the cards. From pilot training, to nautical and tactical skill exercises, the virtual military training platforms are said to be built keeping in mind the entire defense force.



Adopting virtual reality for training purposes gives the forces an edge on the battlefield. Also, it is a convenient way to expose the soldiers to a wide range of circumstances using augmented reality, without even requiring them to move places. Besides being a safe way to train and a package of endless possibilities, the training structure only demands a one-time investment, making it cost effective on the longer run.



One of the key benefits introducing virtual training platforms is that the soldiers can avoid injuring themselves in life threatening training environments, yet can learn to tackle them. Military personnel and defense contractors both, can get what they want, at the safety of a well equipped training room.



The MoD plans to build the augmented reality-based VR simulator with HD surround sound and HD display to give the soldiers a realistic audio and visual experience, with an intuitive gesture control for the enhanced experience of the trainees.



Besides the British Armed Forces, the British Royal Air Force and British Royal Marines will be carrying out trials of the new training system later this year.