Ukraine Develops VR Trainer to Counter FPV Drones

A Ukrainian company has unveiled a new virtual reality training system designed to prepare soldiers for one of the most dangerous threats on the modern battlefield — FPV drones.

The system, officially named “Reflex — Minus Drone”, is a VR-based trainer that teaches military personnel how to detect, track and engage FPV drones under conditions that closely replicate real combat.

The emergence of FPV drones has transformed warfare in Ukraine. What started as a niche battlefield capability has evolved into one of the defining weapons of the war, forcing militaries to rapidly develop new tactics and training methods. Ukrainian soldiers are often required to engage high-speed drones carrying explosive payloads, sometimes with only seconds to react.

To address this challenge, SKIFTECH developed a training solution that allows soldiers to repeatedly practice anti-drone engagements without the need for physical drones, ammunition, or dedicated training ranges.

The simulator was created in cooperation with military instructors and incorporates lessons learned directly from the battlefield. It reproduces FPV drone flight dynamics, attack profiles, shotgun pellet dispersion, weapon ballistics, drone inertia, and realistic maneuvering behavior.

A key feature of the system is its spatial audio engine. Soldiers can hear approaching drones and determine their direction before visual contact, replicating a critical element of real-world drone encounters.

The trainer supports multiple FPV drone types and includes seven maneuver patterns that imitate common attack scenarios observed during the war. Users can train with virtual versions of a Remington shotgun or an AK-platform rifle while progressing through increasingly difficult exercises.

The system supports both individual and team-based training for groups of up to four operators simultaneously. Every exercise is recorded and analyzed through an instructor dashboard that provides detailed performance statistics and after-action review capabilities.

As FPV drones continue to reshape warfare worldwide, Ukrainian combat experience is increasingly becoming a source of practical solutions for allied militaries. The developers believe virtual reality can significantly accelerate the preparation of personnel facing drone threats while reducing costs and expanding access to training.