Tech Exploitation for Mission Planning and Rehearsal: Closing the Gap Between Innovation and the Front Line

A gap has opened between the technology defence develops and the static tools troops actually use to plan. Learn how deployable, interactive rehearsal capability can close it.

Tech Exploitation for Mission Planning and Rehearsal: Closing the Gap Between Innovation and the Front Line

Executive Summary

  • Defence is developing advanced technology in AI, autonomy, digital twins, and simulation, yet unit and sub-unit mission planning still relies on maps, model pits, whiteboards, and PowerPoint.
  • This gap matters most at the level where plans become action: platoons, troops, companies, and specialist teams who need deployable, simple-to-use planning tools.
  • The opportunity is not to replace proven military planning processes but to strengthen them with interactive terrain visualisation, route testing, and rehearsal of key decision points.
  • Novatech Defence and VRAI are exploring this through the Tactical Planning & Rehearsal Node (TPRN), a deployable capability designed to enhance mission preparation without adding complexity.