From the era of World Wars to the Cold War to the emergence of the global South, every new world order drives more tech in the defence sector.  

Moreover, when it comes to national security, the government is also willing to acquire and invest in new tech opportunities. Thus, the adoption of extended reality, particularly in the defence sector, has witnessed phenomenal growth owing to its game-changing benefits for the armed forces. 

This column will give you a gist of how advanced tech, like extended reality, is transforming the armed forces for modern warfare and maintaining an upper hand during combat operations.

1. Augmented Situational Awareness 

Maintaining situational awareness is crucial in modern warfare, especially under high-pressure situations where dominance over adversaries becomes more essential. XR (Extended Reality) is revolutionising this aspect by offering immersive and interactive environments that simulate real-world scenarios. 

There is a huge scope of XR for military training in India. One standout application is AjnaESAS (Enhanced Situational Awareness System). This advanced system includes see-through armour and day-and-night surveillance integrated with Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Glasses. It provides crew members of tracked weapons systems with real-time, 360°, coloured, and thermal views of their surroundings, even with closed hatches. This boosts operational efficiency and aids rapid decision-making in mechanised warfare. 

Moreover, the integration of 5G's Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) architecture with headsets like AjnaXR Pro has taken situational awareness to the next level. This powerful combination allows for real-time data processing and ultra-low-latency communication, which are critical for mission-critical operations. As a result, military personnel can make better decisions and respond more quickly during missions.

2. Immersive Training Simulations

Traditional defence training methods often face significant limitations, such as high costs, logistical challenges, and safety concerns. Furthermore, it is difficult to consistently replicate complex scenarios, limiting the ability to practice and prepare for a wide range of situations. 

The demand for technical training simulators has surged due to the benefits of the XR-based training model. These systems replace traditional simulators with XR headsets, allowing trainees to interact with physical controls, hand-tracking, or gaze while immersed in a virtual environment that replicates real-life conditions.

Moreover, with the assistance of AI, XR-based learning and training are even more comprehensive and interactive, providing real-time data pointers that improve skills and preparedness for real-world situations.

3. Advanced Maintenance and Repair Operations

Augmented Reality (AR), a subset of Extended Reality (XR), has long been used in militaries worldwide. Its use cases include streamlining repair tasks with AR-based test manuals.

Technicians can utilise these AR simulations for military maintenance procedures to overlay digital instructions onto physical equipment, reducing errors and improving efficiency. This technology ensures that maintenance crews can perform complex repairs with greater accuracy and speed, even in challenging environments. A recent study shows that AR for maintenance and repair can improve task performance by 15-30% and work quality by 90%​.

4. Medical Training and Battlefield Medicine

The importance of aid on the frontline in a battlefield cannot be overstated for any civilizational state. Current global conflicts are living proof of how immediate medical assistance to injured soldiers significantly increases their chances of survival and recovery. 

The commitment to save lives could be further enhanced with the game-changing power of XR. Presently, XR technologies are revolutionizing training for medics and medical personnel. Harnessing this ecosystem, trainees can practice treating injuries with realistic wound models and interactive patients, receiving real-time guidance and feedback. 

Harvard Business Review noted that immersive training environments like those provided by XR can enhance learning efficiency and retention by up to 40% compared to traditional methods, including defence. It further amplifies the statement that XR is a game-changer in preparing military medical personnel for high-stakes scenarios. 

5. Tactical Decision-Making and Planning

Advanced XR applications are changing how military planners analyse and understand battlefields. By using XR to create 3D views of terrain and simulate battle scenarios, planners can see and explore areas more clearly. This helps them better understand the battlefield, predict enemy movements, and make smarter decisions.

Reports suggest that various armed forces around the world, including the British Army, have been actively trialling VR training technologies to prepare soldiers for various terrains and operational scenarios without any physical risks involved in training.​ [British Army]

Even the Pentagon has rolled out 5G-powered AR/VR systems as part of its broader initiative to expand digital training capabilities. These systems are part of the Army Synthetic Training Environment (STE), which integrates live, virtual, and constructive training methods to enhance soldier readiness across multiple channels. [National Defense Magazine] [Ediiie]

XR is truly the pathbreaker in understanding complex situations and improving tactical planning and overall military effectiveness. It thus keeps military forces ahead in fast-changing environments, making it a vital tool for modern defence strategies.

The deployment of XR technologies in defence is not just a technological adoption but a revolution in how combat mobility and military training are conducted. It aids in tactical planning, ensuring that defence forces are better prepared for future warfare and more efficient in their operations. The ongoing advancements in 5G, upcoming 6G and AI further amplify the potential of XR in defence, setting the stage for even more groundbreaking developments in the future.

Now is the better than ever time to harness the benefits of VR/AR for defence personnel in India, modernise capabilities, and maintain a strategic edge over adversaries​​.

Share the word! XR is making its transformative round in defence now.