From strategy rooms to the frontlines, technology is reshaping warfare at an unprecedented pace. The next revolution in the military industry isn’t about weapons—it’s about how we train, plan, and fight. Technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are poised to redefine combat and strategy, making operations more efficient and safer for soldiers.

In this article, we will dive deep into the ways in which these technologies can be used as well as how militaries are implementing these into their processes. 

This article is an extension of our youtube video about the same topic, which you can watch here.

If you would like to learn more about the industry or similar topics, check out our articles on VR military training or the top VR in aersopace.

Use cases of AR/VR - Why AR and VR Matter in Modern Warfare?

The military has historically driven technological innovation, from the compass to satellite communications. Today, AR and VR are emerging as critical tools for modern warfare, enhancing human capabilities and ensuring safety on the battlefield. As military recruitment faces challenges, technologies that preserve soldier lives and increase mission success are more valuable than ever.

AR and VR applications in military operations focus on:

1. Training: Immersive simulations replicate real-world scenarios, improving preparedness.

2. Remote Machinery/Drone Operation  - AR and VR are used to remotely operate machinery and drones.

3. Combat Enhancements: Real-time AR overlays and VR-operated drones provide critical information.

4. Strategic Planning: Detailed VR environments enable more effective decision-making.

   
   

1. AR and VR in Training: Preparing Soldiers for the Unexpected

   
   One of the most established uses of VR in the military is for training. Simulations allow soldiers to learn by doing, without the risks of live exercises. For example, during a U.S. Army exercise in Fort Bragg, VR scenarios were employed to replicate urban combat situations, enabling soldiers to practice tactical maneuvers in a high-stress, yet controlled environment. Similarly, the UK’s Royal Navy implemented VR training modules for sailors to handle warship navigation under simulated storm conditions, improving their preparedness for real-world maritime challenges.
   
   Studies underscore the effectiveness of VR training:

   • An HTC study found that 80% of military trainers observed increased confidence among soldiers after VR exercises.

   • Chinese military personnel reported a 97% satisfaction rate with their VR training experiences.

   
   Emerging use cases also include multi-national joint drills, where soldiers from allied countries train together in VR environments, ensuring seamless collaboration and coordination during actual operations.
   
   

   Here are some of the most popular examples of VR training:

   • Virtual Squad Training Simulations (VSTS): Entire squads train together in VR, using simulated weapons to practice teamwork and tactical maneuvers.

   • Tactical Combat Casualty Care: Soldiers practice administering first aid under battlefield conditions, building muscle memory for high-pressure scenarios.

   • PTSD Treatment: VR therapies help soldiers recover from combat trauma by recreating scenarios in controlled environments.
     
     

   If you would like to know more about these types of VR training, read our article on VR military training.
   
   

2. Remote Machinery/Drone Operation

   
   One of the most popular uses of VR right now is in using it to operate FPV drones. FPV stands for “first person view”. With these systems, operators use a VR headset to guide and operate a remote drone which can then be used for surveillance or to attack enemy positions. 
   
   

   This has proven incredibly effective on the battlefield in Ukraine, where this has become the go-to way to operate drones. 
   
   

   Apart from drones, VR can be used to operate other vehicles and machinery as well as to maintain and repair them remotely. Apart from the obvious benefit of placing the operators outside of immediate danger, the wider field of view and access to additional digital information is a massive benefit compared to traditional methods of operating machines and vehicles. 
   
   

3. AR Heads-up Displays: Enhancing Situational Awareness

   
   AR technology, like heads-up displays (HUDs), overlays critical information directly into a soldier’s line of sight. Recent trials of the U.S. Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) revealed significant improvements in soldier efficiency, including faster target acquisition and displaying other useful information to the soldiers wearing these headsets.
   
   

   Similarly, the Israeli military’s Elbit X-Sight helmet has demonstrated success in providing real-time data to helicopter pilots, enabling precise maneuvers and reducing mission risks. These advancements highlight how HUDs are becoming indispensable tools on modern battlefields, enhancing both situational awareness and decision-making under pressure. 
   
   

   These overlays provide real-time updates on ammunition, comrade status, and terrain mapping, ensuring soldiers make informed decisions under pressure. The U.S. military, for instance, has invested heavily in Microsoft’s Hololens to equip soldiers with mixed reality capabilities.
   
   

   The US military’s implementation of Microsoft HoloLens AR headsets seems to be quite successful as Microsoft is now producing these headsets exclusively for the US military. 
   
   

4. AR on the Battlefield: Enhancing Situational Awareness

   
   Beyond combat, VR plays a significant role in planning and analysis. Detailed 3D maps enable military strategists to:

   • Visualize terrain depth for better operational planning.

   • View troop movements in real-time for analysis and strategy refinement.

   • Replay operations from various angles

   • Highlight critical information in 3D space 
     
     

   Such capabilities not only enhance decision-making but also provide insights that were previously unimaginable in traditional planning methods.
   
   

   Including complex digital twin environments can significantly enhance not only operational planning, but also help the soldiers perform their tasks while the combat is ongoing. This works especially well in combination with AR heads-up displays.