Hungary has taken a significant step in modernizing its military officer training, introducing cutting-edge simulators and an extended reality (XR) laboratory at the Szolnok campus of the National University of Public Service (NKE). The announcement was made on Wednesday by Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Tamás Vargha during the inauguration ceremony.
Vargha, who also serves as a Member of Parliament for Fejér County, described the development as a milestone for both military education and research in Hungary. He emphasized that these advanced tools would better prepare university instructors, officer candidates, and Hungarian Defence Force officers for the evolving challenges of national security and service to the Hungarian people. In light of ongoing global and regional conflicts, Vargha highlighted Hungary’s commitment to peace while recognizing the importance of learning from such events. He noted the necessity of integrating advancements in artificial intelligence, drone technology, and cybersecurity research to ensure the Hungarian Defence Forces remain modern, well-equipped, and capable of addressing new security threats.
The newly inaugurated simulators offer officer candidates the opportunity to practice decision-making and develop essential skills within realistic, technologically advanced environments. Vargha added that these tools also support further research and development, facilitating the collection of real-time data to design innovative strategies and tactics that enhance Hungary’s military capabilities. ‘While state-of-the-art equipment is vital, the most crucial element in national defence remains the Hungarian soldier who can effectively utilise these tools,’ Vargha remarked. He also expressed pride in the university’s continuous pursuit of innovation and development and extended his gratitude to the experts involved in the creation and delivery of the new training technologies. During the event, Vargha welcomed world champion glider pilot Dávid Józsa from Székesfehérvár, acknowledging his achievements.
Rector of the National University of Public Service Gergely Deli underscored the significance of the event as a testament to the university’s persistent research and development efforts. The newly introduced technologies are particularly aimed at supporting students in the state aviation training programme. Deli described the university’s mission as addressing strategically significant educational and research tasks aligned with current challenges. The new generation of equipment, he noted, will promote engaging, practice-oriented, and innovative training. This is crucial for supporting the military’s readiness, particularly in preparing for complex tasks and facilitating the strategic planning of training exercises. The simulators and XR laboratory will not only reduce training costs and optimize practical experience but also ensure a high level of preparedness within the military. Moreover, these facilities provide unique research and development opportunities, particularly in fields such as air traffic management, aviation safety, and the study of interactions involving unmanned systems.
Deli also highlighted the strategic aim of strengthening international research collaborations and advancing technological innovation within the defence sector. ‘Our competitiveness and success lie in combining scientific research with innovative educational methods,’ he affirmed.
The newly inaugurated facilities include a modern airport control tower simulator that creates an integrated model airport environment, allowing for the management of both traditional aircraft and large unmanned aerial systems; a ZLIN 242 aircraft simulator, which will play a crucial role in training students within the state aviation programme; and an XR laboratory designed to explore various applications of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies, including the implementation of ‘digital twin’ solutions.
The development and refurbishment of these simulators and the XR laboratory were made possible through funding from Hungary’s Thematic Excellence Programme (TKP) and the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), with a total investment nearing 400 million forints.
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