The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI, Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut) published a report on 8 June 2026 showing that virtual reality (VR) and generative artificial intelligence (AI) can improve soldiers' performance and mental resilience during training.

FOI reports that the research compared cadets who trained in virtual ship simulators with cadets who trained in real-world environments. Researcher Britta Levin states in the report: "Cadets showed similar physiological activation in both training formats", which FOI indicates suggests that VR training can generate stress levels comparable to real operational conditions.

In a police study included in the report, officers who trained using VR ahead of a concert assignment demonstrated improved navigation ability and faster stress recovery compared with those who used paper maps. FOI notes that the officers "made fewer changes of direction and walked straighter routes".

FOI highlights several advantages of VR compared with traditional training: systematic stress induction in controlled environments, reduced requirements for physical space, and the ability to conduct objective measurement. The report also points to the potential use of generative AI in training contexts. Researcher Katariina Blom states that the technology can "create scenarios for various types of training and produce instructional videos in realistic environments and actions".

FOI notes that challenges remain regarding video length and realism, particularly where military-specific training data is limited. Combining traditional exercises with AI-enhanced training can, according to the report, create more flexible and cost-effective education and training.