Microsoft partners with defense start-up to develop next-gen combat goggles
Microsoft has joined forces with defense technology start-up, Anduril Industries, to enhance the performance of new combat goggles for the US Army. The project, announced by Anduril on Thursday, could potentially generate up to $21.9 billion from the service over a decade. The high-tech goggles are designed to provide soldiers with capabilities such as night vision and alerts about incoming airborne threats.
Army may order up to 121,000 devices
The US Army is considering an order of up to 121,000 of these advanced goggles, pending a series of tests. Despite initial versions from Microsoft causing discomfort such as headaches and nausea among soldiers, the Army has commended an updated and more compact model. The goggles are officially known as the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) and must successfully complete a rigorous operational combat test next year before full production is approved.
Anduril's expertise in defense technology
Anduril, founded by Palmer Luckey—the billionaire behind Oculus VR—had raised $1.5 billion earlier this year. The defense start-up was established in 2017 and is also backed by tech billionaire Peter Thiel. The company is recognized for its development of "Ghost" drones used by the Ukrainian military and an autonomous underwater vehicle being evaluated for the Pentagon's Replicator program.
