The Land Forces of Ukraine are gradually turning basic training into a technology-driven learning process. In their training centres recruits now use virtual reality to live through a simulated first battle, consolidate key skills and prepare mentally for the stress of the front. One of the core tools is the VR film "First Battle", created by the innovation unit of the National Academy of Land Forces.
VR film "First Battle": safe immersion into the frontline
During the 51 day basic course, mobilised soldiers and contract recruits receive concentrated knowledge about weapons, tactics, explosives, drones, communications and medical care. At the midpoint of the course instructors put them into a virtual trench: a section of infantry repels a massive assault, machine gunners cover their comrades, a Russian grenade flies into the position and the soldiers must react correctly, hide, continue the fight and evacuate the wounded.
The entire scene is based on real events. Wearing VR headsets in an underground classroom, the recruits sit through the battle in first person. The film shows how defence is organised, what to do under artillery fire, how to provide first aid and how to coordinate actions inside a small unit. According to the developers, such immersion helps form the right neural connections and reduces shock during real combat missions.
From virtual battle to obstacle courses and live fire
VR is only one element in a broader psychological and tactical training system. After watching the film and debriefing with instructors, recruits work through the same situations on training grounds: individually and in small groups, then as part of a unit. They pass a psychological obstacle course with explosions, smoke, drone drops and shouting instructors, learning to keep sector discipline, communicate and identify threats under pressure.
Psychological preparation includes lectures on stress management, practical exercises on how to enter and exit a combat state, drills under artillery fire, training with anti drone systems and adaptation to heavy armour. The goal is to build resilience so that a newly mobilised civilian can operate effectively in a chaotic environment after several weeks of intensive training.
New market for defence edtech and training simulators
For technology companies the introduction of VR and simulators into Ukrainian military training is more than just a story of modernisation. Ukraine is becoming a live testbed for defence edtech solutions: VR films, interactive scenarios, weapon simulators, software for collective exercises and debriefing tools. Any system that helps faster and safer prepare infantry, drone operators or medics will have strong demand both during the war and in the post war period.
This creates opportunities for partnerships between Ukrainian developers and foreign hardware and content providers in fields such as VR/AR headsets, motion tracking, training platforms and combat simulation software. Those who enter the market now, while the Land Forces are actively updating their training doctrine, will have a chance to shape long term standards of military education in Ukraine and beyond.
