Digital Twins in Real Military Environment
Text: Defence Innovation Research Institute (VIKI) | Photo: VIKI | 12:19 October 9, 2026In late September, staff members of the Defence Innovation Research Institute traveled to Portugal, where they tested their own development, the Digital Twin/XR solution within the framework of the HEDI OPEX 26-1/ARTEX 26 military exercise in the Santa Margarida military training area. In cooperation with the Portuguese army and the experts of the Hub for EU Defence Innovation of the European Defence Agency (EDA HEDI), they examined how the technology can be used under real military conditions.
During the test, the staff members of the Defence Innovation Research Institute (VIKI) prepared a digital replica of a designated part in the training area, which the users can walk around on computers, mobile devices and in virtual reality as well. Thus, it was possible to analyze the usability of the solution and the VIKI researchers could gain first-hand experience for further development. At the site, they also introduced the use of the platform to Portuguese service members, who had the opportunity to test it individually during the exercise.
On the part of VIKI, the work involved Dr. Gergely Kovács, Hédi Katreiner, Attila Magos and Alfréd Szűcs, while Krisztián Dráfi cooperated with them in the project as a representative of the Ministry of Defence. The Hungarian researchers are grateful to their Portuguese hosts and the experts of the EDA HEDI for their cooperation. The joint work offered them a valuable opportunity to learn first-hand about user needs and further develop the system on this basis.
