Two Days of Collaboration, Professional Dialogue and Practical Innovation in Hungary

The focus of the first day was the meeting of the MARS working group, attended by representatives of the participating Member States, and delegates from Ukraine and the NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine.

Krisztián Busa, Head of the Defence Innovation and Capability Development Department, representing the Ministry of Defence, welcomed the participants. In his speech, he highlighted the work of the EDA MARS working group and its role in introducing new technologies into military training.

At the session, a decision was made that is significant for the future of the working group: the participating Member States unanimously supported Dr Gergely Kovács continuing in his role as chair of the EDA MARS working group until 2028.

On the second day, the technical discussions were followed by a practical demonstration. The participants visited the HDF 86th Helicopter Wing, where the Defence Innovation Research Institute, in collaboration with the HDF, presented field trials of XR (extended reality) technology. During the program, participants were able to gain first-hand insight into how extended reality technologies can be applied in a military training environment.

The two-day programme clearly demonstrated that international cooperation, the sharing of professional expertise and practical testing are essential for the successful development and military application of modern technologies.