April 2, 2025 – Varjo, a provider of industrial-grade virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) hardware and software, has recently announced that its mixed reality headsets have been integrated into an officially accredited Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training solution, ‘CASE JTAC,’ developed by UK-based defense company Inzpire.
The CASE JTAC mixed-reality simulator, powered by Varjo XR-4 Series headsets, has received certification from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and under the international Memorandum of Agreement, led by the U.S., for NATO competency and currency training for JTAC operators from member states. This accreditation covers Types 1, 2, and 3 JTAC control scenarios.
What is a JTAC?
The U.S. Department of Defense defines a JTAC, or Joint Terminal Attack Controller, as “a qualified (certified) Service member who, from a forward position, directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations.” JTACs act as a vital link between air and ground forces.
Varjo stated that with its mixed reality technology at the core of CASE JTAC, the system offers visual realism and immersion that puts trainees into highly-realistic synthetic battle spaces, where Varjo’s XR-4 Series headsets combine real-world peripherals with virtual environments, offering a full 360-degree immersive training experience.
With the Varjo XR-4 Series’ pass-through mixed reality capabilities, JTAC trainees are able to interact naturally with both physical equipment and detailed virtual replicas in scenarios that closely mimic real-world missions, allowing them to build muscle memory and operational readiness in a safe, controlled, and realistic training environment, according to Varjo.
Inzpire’s CASE JTAC simulator, developed alongside JTAC and Close Air Support (CAS) experts, offers portable, ruggedized, and deployable training directly to troops at their point of need. Varjo added that the integration of its technology helps to enhance immersion and operational accuracy, allowing trainees to rehearse real-world missions safely, conduct after-action reviews, and track proficiency over time.
“Integrating Varjo XR-4 Series headsets into Inzpire’s CASE JTAC marks a significant advancement in mixed reality simulation training,” said Tristan Cotter, VP of Defense & Aerospace at Varjo. “This accreditation confirms Varjo’s commitment to providing defense forces with technology that delivers unparalleled realism and effectiveness at the frontline. Our headsets empower JTAC trainees to operate with greater accuracy, preparedness, and confidence.”
According to James Clarkson, Inzpire’s Lead Engineer, Mission Training Devices, continuous innovation has markedly enhanced the visual system’s accuracy. A key improvement has been the autofocus feature of Varjo’s pass-through cameras, which enables trainees to naturally read physical materials up close before shifting their focus to more distant objects. Additionally, further enhancements to incorporate new equipment are being introduced to the British Army to facilitate future training of the air land integration environment.
Varjo stated that the effectiveness of Varjo-powered CASE JTAC has already been demonstrated during recent NATO exercises, helping to prove the system’s portability, ease of integration, and “superior training outcomes in complex multi-role scenarios.”
For more information on Varjo and its mixed reality solutions for defense, visit the company’s website.
Image / video credit: Varjo / U.S. Air Force / Inzpire
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.