Brigadier General Dr. Imre Porkoláb, Ministerial Commissioner for Defence Innovation at the Ministry of Defence, highlighted in his speech at Infoparlament that digitalization plays a decisive role in defence development. Innovation is crucial for the modernization of the army and the enhancement of defense capabilities.
In 2016, the government launched a defence development program, which provides the most advanced equipment in the world to Hungarian soldiers and supports defence industry developments. In line with this priority objective, the Defense Innovation Research Institute (VIKI) was established in February 2023. VIKI’s goal is to support defence innovation projects and develop dual-use technologies. The institute’s task is to offer as many opportunities as possible to decision-makers and to assist in accessing domestic and international development funds/resources.
Among VIKI’s priority areas is the “digital soldier,” which aims not only to modernize weaponry and soldiers’ equipment but also to enhance human performance. Other important focus areas include the digitalization of vehicles, particularly autonomous self-driving systems, and disruptive technologies related to space and cyberspace.
Brigadier General Imre Porkoláb also highlighted the potential applications of XR technology, including the development of a V-learning platform, in which future virtual reality-based simulators and MR/VR healthcare and decision-support systems play a crucial role. In this context, he announced the establishment of the Hungarian XR Coalition, which will collaborate on research into the latest digital solutions in this field. Additionally, he reported on the formation of DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), which also focuses on the application of dual-use technologies and has announced three NATO-level innovation challenges for this year, providing opportunities for small businesses and research institutes to participate in enhancing the Alliance’s defense capabilities.
