Extended Reality & Augmented Efficiency

Immersive technology for mission readiness and human performance

In a world of growing operational complexity and pressure on readiness, defence organisations need new tools to prepare their people, maintain situational awareness, and enhance operational outcomes. Extended Reality (XR) — which includes Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) — offers real, immediate value in supporting defence missions.

At Sopra Steria, we embed XR where it delivers meaningful advantage: training, maintenance, logistics, and situational planning. We don’t deploy XR for the sake of novelty — we deploy it to empower personnel, optimise workflows, and increase resilience in critical contexts.

This is immersive technology, mission-engineered.

Why it matters to the Netherlands Ministry of Defence

Modern operations demand faster knowledge transfer, greater mobility, and adaptability under pressure. But traditional systems can no longer keep pace — especially with increasingly complex platforms, international cooperation, and talent shortages.

XR fills the gap by:

 

Training faster, better, and without location constraints

Reducing operational errors and downtime

Delivering real-time support in the field

Improving mission rehearsal and risk anticipation

In a high-readiness force like the Dutch Armed Forces, XR becomes a  force multiplier — enhancing human performance and decision-making across domains.

Use cases that matter

Immersive training & simulation

  • Simulate operational scenarios in realistic, secure digital environments

  • Reinforce retention and reduce training costs

  • Prepare reservists and new recruits at scale

  • Enable multilingual, distributed, and coalition-ready learning

Augmented field maintenance

  • Use AR headsets to guide personnel through complex repairs

  • Connect remote experts in real time for on-the-spot support

  • Reduce downtime and dependency on scarce specialists

  • Link digital twins and maintenance data into the same workflow

Operational planning & Command visualisation

  • Visualise terrain, mission dynamics, and force deployment in 3D

  • Improve understanding of spatial risks and interdependencies

  • Integrate with C2 and logistics platforms for real-time planning input

Smart warehousing & Logistics

  • Guide personnel through inventory workflows with hands-free AR

  • Reduce pick/pack/dispatch time

  • Increase accuracy, reduce training time, and lower warehouse strain

Why Sopra Steria?

We build immersive systems that are modular, mission-fit, and ready to scale — and we deliver them with security, compliance, and performance at the core.

Human-Centered by Design
We focus on usability, comfort, and frontline needs. We co-create XR experiences with real users — ensuring adoption and long-term value.

Integrated with Defence Systems
Our solutions are not standalone. They are connected to logistics data, maintenance systems, digital twins, and ERP tools — enabling full-loop support.

Secure, Sovereign & Scalable
We build solutions compliant with EU, NATO, and Dutch MOD requirements. Whether deployed on-premise or edge, sovereignty is never compromised.

Proven XR use cases in Defence & Aerospace
We have delivered XR capabilities for aircraft maintenance, immersive training centres, and smart warehousing in secure environments — always with measurable outcomes.

Sopra Steria, CDE & CEA win European Defence Agency framework to build secure, sovereign, scalable pan‑EU AI defence data space.

Apr 2, 2025, 14:25 PM
Title* : Sopra Steria, CDE & CEA win European Defence Agency framework to build secure, sovereign, scalable pan‑EU AI defence data space.

Sopra Steria Benelux, Cloud Data Engine (CDE) and the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) are proud to announce their selection by the European Defence Agency (EDA) for the "Service Framework Contract in Cascade to Support the Implementation of the Action Plan on Artificial Intelligence for Defence."

This prestigious contract reaffirms the commitment of the stakeholders to advancing AI-driven defence capabilities in Europe, bolstering security, innovation, and technological sovereignty.

"As a key partner for digital transformation to multiple armed forces across Europe, Sopra Steria is committed to delivering secure and innovative AI solutions that strengthen strategic autonomy of European defence. More specifically, this framework contract is managed by Sopra Steria Belgium (Brussels), who is a recognised consulting and digital services provider to the EU institutions. Our solid track record is complemented by the expertise of CDE in dataspaces and the technological leadership of CEA that will be essential to the success of this project," said Cédric Genin, Consulting Director for Aerospace, Defence and Security, Sopra Steria.

“This contract award highlights CDE’s expertise to promote, design and develop cutting-edge technology and architectures for decentralized interoperability of data, serving the needed competitive advantages for sovereign defence and AI. As a pioneer in decentralized data management and compliance monitoring, CDE brings key solutions to help Europe’s defence capabilities remain innovative, resilient, and technologically autonomous." said Alban Schmutz, CEO of Cloud Data Engine.

"With its experience in sovereign assignments and its expertise in operational research for defence, CEA plays a pivotal role in transforming a strategic need for AI-based functionalities into concrete operational solutions for national and European security. Our collaboration with Sopra Steria and Cloud Data Engine brings together a unique blend of technical excellence and strategic vision for defence AI”, said Nizar Touleimat, Director of the Research & Innovation programme, Smart Digital Systems for Security & Defence, CEA.

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The future of Defence is augmented

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence is embracing innovation. XR isn’t a distant vision — it is a practical enabler of mission agility, operational readiness, and personnel empowerment. Sopra Steria stands ready to help deliver this capability, at speed and with substance.

Let’s explore where immersive technology can remove friction, sharpen awareness, and elevate performance — across your entire defence ecosystem.

 

Contact our experts

Defence Intelligence Hub

Sopra Steria, CDE & CEA win European Defence Agency framework to build secure, sovereign, scalable pan‑EU AI defence data space.

Apr 2, 2025, 14:25 PM
Title* : Sopra Steria, CDE & CEA win European Defence Agency framework to build secure, sovereign, scalable pan‑EU AI defence data space.

Sopra Steria Benelux, Cloud Data Engine (CDE) and the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) are proud to announce their selection by the European Defence Agency (EDA) for the "Service Framework Contract in Cascade to Support the Implementation of the Action Plan on Artificial Intelligence for Defence."

This prestigious contract reaffirms the commitment of the stakeholders to advancing AI-driven defence capabilities in Europe, bolstering security, innovation, and technological sovereignty.

"As a key partner for digital transformation to multiple armed forces across Europe, Sopra Steria is committed to delivering secure and innovative AI solutions that strengthen strategic autonomy of European defence. More specifically, this framework contract is managed by Sopra Steria Belgium (Brussels), who is a recognised consulting and digital services provider to the EU institutions. Our solid track record is complemented by the expertise of CDE in dataspaces and the technological leadership of CEA that will be essential to the success of this project," said Cédric Genin, Consulting Director for Aerospace, Defence and Security, Sopra Steria.

“This contract award highlights CDE’s expertise to promote, design and develop cutting-edge technology and architectures for decentralized interoperability of data, serving the needed competitive advantages for sovereign defence and AI. As a pioneer in decentralized data management and compliance monitoring, CDE brings key solutions to help Europe’s defence capabilities remain innovative, resilient, and technologically autonomous." said Alban Schmutz, CEO of Cloud Data Engine.

"With its experience in sovereign assignments and its expertise in operational research for defence, CEA plays a pivotal role in transforming a strategic need for AI-based functionalities into concrete operational solutions for national and European security. Our collaboration with Sopra Steria and Cloud Data Engine brings together a unique blend of technical excellence and strategic vision for defence AI”, said Nizar Touleimat, Director of the Research & Innovation programme, Smart Digital Systems for Security & Defence, CEA.

Tags :

Sopra Steria, CDE & CEA win European Defence Agency framework to build secure, sovereign, scalable pan‑EU AI defence data space.

Apr 2, 2025, 14:25 PM
Title* : Sopra Steria, CDE & CEA win European Defence Agency framework to build secure, sovereign, scalable pan‑EU AI defence data space.

Sopra Steria Benelux, Cloud Data Engine (CDE) and the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) are proud to announce their selection by the European Defence Agency (EDA) for the "Service Framework Contract in Cascade to Support the Implementation of the Action Plan on Artificial Intelligence for Defence."

This prestigious contract reaffirms the commitment of the stakeholders to advancing AI-driven defence capabilities in Europe, bolstering security, innovation, and technological sovereignty.

"As a key partner for digital transformation to multiple armed forces across Europe, Sopra Steria is committed to delivering secure and innovative AI solutions that strengthen strategic autonomy of European defence. More specifically, this framework contract is managed by Sopra Steria Belgium (Brussels), who is a recognised consulting and digital services provider to the EU institutions. Our solid track record is complemented by the expertise of CDE in dataspaces and the technological leadership of CEA that will be essential to the success of this project," said Cédric Genin, Consulting Director for Aerospace, Defence and Security, Sopra Steria.

“This contract award highlights CDE’s expertise to promote, design and develop cutting-edge technology and architectures for decentralized interoperability of data, serving the needed competitive advantages for sovereign defence and AI. As a pioneer in decentralized data management and compliance monitoring, CDE brings key solutions to help Europe’s defence capabilities remain innovative, resilient, and technologically autonomous." said Alban Schmutz, CEO of Cloud Data Engine.

"With its experience in sovereign assignments and its expertise in operational research for defence, CEA plays a pivotal role in transforming a strategic need for AI-based functionalities into concrete operational solutions for national and European security. Our collaboration with Sopra Steria and Cloud Data Engine brings together a unique blend of technical excellence and strategic vision for defence AI”, said Nizar Touleimat, Director of the Research & Innovation programme, Smart Digital Systems for Security & Defence, CEA.

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Related news

Sopra Steria, CDE & CEA win European Defence Agency framework to build secure, sovereign, scalable pan‑EU AI defence data space.

Apr 2, 2025, 14:25 PM
Title* : Sopra Steria, CDE & CEA win European Defence Agency framework to build secure, sovereign, scalable pan‑EU AI defence data space.

Sopra Steria Benelux, Cloud Data Engine (CDE) and the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) are proud to announce their selection by the European Defence Agency (EDA) for the "Service Framework Contract in Cascade to Support the Implementation of the Action Plan on Artificial Intelligence for Defence."

This prestigious contract reaffirms the commitment of the stakeholders to advancing AI-driven defence capabilities in Europe, bolstering security, innovation, and technological sovereignty.

"As a key partner for digital transformation to multiple armed forces across Europe, Sopra Steria is committed to delivering secure and innovative AI solutions that strengthen strategic autonomy of European defence. More specifically, this framework contract is managed by Sopra Steria Belgium (Brussels), who is a recognised consulting and digital services provider to the EU institutions. Our solid track record is complemented by the expertise of CDE in dataspaces and the technological leadership of CEA that will be essential to the success of this project," said Cédric Genin, Consulting Director for Aerospace, Defence and Security, Sopra Steria.

“This contract award highlights CDE’s expertise to promote, design and develop cutting-edge technology and architectures for decentralized interoperability of data, serving the needed competitive advantages for sovereign defence and AI. As a pioneer in decentralized data management and compliance monitoring, CDE brings key solutions to help Europe’s defence capabilities remain innovative, resilient, and technologically autonomous." said Alban Schmutz, CEO of Cloud Data Engine.

"With its experience in sovereign assignments and its expertise in operational research for defence, CEA plays a pivotal role in transforming a strategic need for AI-based functionalities into concrete operational solutions for national and European security. Our collaboration with Sopra Steria and Cloud Data Engine brings together a unique blend of technical excellence and strategic vision for defence AI”, said Nizar Touleimat, Director of the Research & Innovation programme, Smart Digital Systems for Security & Defence, CEA.

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