DiSTI and Applied Virtual Simulation Bring Battlefield-Proven Counter-UAS Training

On today’s battlefield, a low-cost drone can threaten a multimillion-dollar military platform or obliterate an entire infantry unit in seconds. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have fundamentally changed modern warfare. On today’s battlefield, a low-cost drone can obliterate a multimillion-dollar military platform or an entire infantry unit in seconds. The need to prepare warfighters to detect, respond to, and defeat these threats has never been more urgent. The DiSTI Corporation and Applied Virtual Simulation (AVS) are addressing this critical training requirement at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2026, where attendees can experience Horizon Guardian, an advanced mixed-reality counter-UAS (C-UAS) training system.

Developed by AVS, drawing on 10 years of experience delivering military simulation and training solutions, Horizon Guardian provides a portable, immersive training environment that prepares personnel to confront rapidly evolving drone threats. The system has already been successfully fielded, demonstrating the practical application of mixed-reality technology to operational training requirements.

The urgency of C-UAS readiness is underscored by lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where inexpensive Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS)have transformed battlefield tactics and exposed significant gaps in conventional military training. As drone technology becomes increasingly accessible and sophisticated, military forces worldwide must develop effective defensive skills before personnel encounter these threats in combat.

Horizon Guardian addresses this challenge by combining high-fidelity mixed reality, realistic weapon handling, configurable drone threats, and measurable performance assessment. The system delivers essential training, with repeatable, simulated scenarios in the detection, tracking and engagement with drones, without logistical constraints, expense or safety risks of live-drone training. Integration with the Ukrainian-developed Obriy simulation platform also enables unscripted, human-controlled adversarial scenarios that more closely reflect unpredictable battlefield conditions.

“Counter-UAS training is no longer a specialized requirement. It is becoming a fundamental component of warfighter survivability,” said Jason Thagard, CEO of The DiSTI Corporation. “Our long-standing partnership with AVS reflects a shared commitment to delivering practical, mission-focused training solutions. Horizon Guardian allows military personnel to develop critical defensive skills in a realistic, repeatable environment before those skills are needed in combat.”

A distinguishing feature of the I/ITSEC demonstration will be its direct connection to operational combat experience. A former Company Commander of an infantry unit of the 60th Brigade in the Ukraine Armed Forces, now leading AVS’ business expansion into the United States will lead the demonstrations, drawing on firsthand knowledge of drone warfare and counter-UAS requirements that helped shape the system’s development. Attendees will gain a unique perspective on the realities of modern drone threats while experiencing how Horizon Guardian translates battlefield lessons into actionable training.

“Building on years of collaboration, DiSTI and AVS continue to advance military training through complementary expertise in simulation technology, system integration, and immersive training development,” stated Steve Collison, GM of Operations at AVS. “Our partnership reflects a shared focus on delivering solutions that address immediate operational needs while supporting long-term force readiness.”

I/ITSEC 2026 attendees are invited to visit The DiSTI Corporation at booth #771 to experience Horizon Guardian firsthand, meet the team behind the technology, and learn how realistic, combat-informed counter-UAS training can help prepare military personnel for the threats they face today.

For more information about the solutions provided by DiSTI and the company’s partnership with Applied Virtual Simulation visit www.disti.com or contact sales@disti.com.

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