Vrgineers – Strategic-Technological Analysis (Czech Republic)

In a nondescript Prague office, engineers are redefining how fighter pilots and soldiers train across Europe. Vrgineers, founded in 2017, has rapidly emerged as a pioneer in high-end virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) training systems tailored for defense[3]. Its flagship product – the XTAL headset – delivers such a lifelike cockpit experience that even global aerospace giants have taken notice. NATO air forces and major defense contractors are experimenting with this Czech startup’s simulators to prepare pilots for next-generation aircraft. From advanced F-16 flight trainers in Slovakia to unclassified F-35 simulators for the Czech Air Force[4][5], Vrgineers is proving that European ingenuity in immersive technology can bolster military readiness. By replacing bulky, expensive legacy simulators with portable VR systems, the company promises to cut training costs and broaden access without compromising realism. The following analysis explores how Vrgineers fits into Europe’s strategic autonomy ambitions – enhancing NATO interoperability, strengthening deterrence through better-trained forces, and reducing reliance on non-allied suppliers – all through the lens of an academic-founded startup pushing the boundaries of simulation technology.