CAE Inc. is spearheading a major research project in Hungary to develop a next-generation graphical user interface for complex simulation environments, backed by substantial government funding.
The initiative, led by CAE’s Hungarian subsidiary in partnership with ARWorks Kft. and Óbuda University, aims to transform how defence and emergency response personnel interact with Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) simulation systems. Supported by approximately HUF 621.9 million (roughly $1.7 million CAD) from the National Research, Development and Innovation Office, the project addresses a critical gap in modern simulation technology.
While cloud computing now enables large-scale, multi-domain operational simulations, these systems often remain prohibitively difficult for operators to use effectively. The complexity of setting up and managing realistic training scenarios can limit their practical application, particularly in time-sensitive defence and emergency situations.
CAE’s project tackles this challenge head-on by developing an intuitive, scalable interface that streamlines scenario creation and execution. The new GUI will leverage advanced automation, machine learning, and generative artificial intelligence to simplify complex processes, making powerful simulation tools accessible to users without extensive technical training.
“This project exemplifies CAE’s commitment to innovation and our mission to make training and simulation technology even more intuitive and impactful,” said József Hajdu, Country Manager of CAE Hungary. “By collaborating with leading Hungarian university partners, SMEs, and harnessing advanced technologies, we are shaping the future of training and simulation for the defence and security industry worldwide.”
The collaboration brings together CAE’s global simulation expertise, ARWorks’ specialised capabilities in augmented reality solutions, and Óbuda University’s cutting-edge research in applied informatics and engineering. This tri-sector partnership creates a powerful synergy, combining academic research, agile SME innovation, and industry leadership.
For defence organizations, emergency services, and security forces, this new interface promises to dramatically reduce the time and expertise required to create realistic multi-domain training scenarios. Whether coordinating cross-border disaster responses or rehearsing complex joint military operations, users will be able to focus on training objectives rather than wrestling with technical interfaces.
The project reinforces CAE’s strategic position in Central Europe’s growing defence technology sector. Hungary has emerged as a significant hub for simulation innovation, with its strong engineering talent pool and government commitment to advanced R&D creating fertile ground for such initiatives.
As defence and security organizations increasingly rely on synthetic training environments to prepare for evolving threats and complex operations, intuitive interfaces become critical force multipliers. By democratizing access to advanced simulation capabilities, this Hungarian-led project ultimately helps ensure that personnel can train as they fight—effectively, efficiently, and with the full power of modern technology at their fingertips.
The development aligns with broader industry trends toward human-centric design in defence technology, recognizing that even the most sophisticated simulation systems deliver value only when operators can harness their full potential.
