Anduril will assume development of the US Army’s troubled Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), taking over from Microsoft following a series of setbacks that delayed the program.
In a joint statement, Anduril confirmed it will now lead the production, delivery, and ongoing development of IVAS hardware and software.
The company will ensure continuity in the program while advancing its goals to enhance combat effectiveness, situational awareness, and decision-making on the battlefield.
“Anduril’s mission focus on innovation in defense technology, deep understanding of military requirements, and unique approach to manufacturing defense products will ensure future program development specifically tailored to the evolving needs of the Army as well as production at scale and at lower unit cost,” the statement said.
Despite the change, Microsoft will continue to support the program with its advanced cloud infrastructure and AI technologies, which will provide a “robust backbone” for seamless data integration.
A New Hope?
In March 2021, the US Army awarded Microsoft a fixed-price production contract to manufacture the IVAS next-generation goggles for soldiers.
The goal of the IVAS program is to revolutionize how soldiers train and operate in combat.
However, the $22-billion initiative has faced numerous challenges, including complaints from soldiers about headaches, nausea, and eyestrain from earlier versions of the device.
To address these issues, the army is reportedly launching the IVAS-Next project, aimed at refining earlier iterations.
Anduril entered the picture last year to reinvigorate the program, integrating its Lattice open software platform to improve threat detection across the battlespace.
“The IVAS program represents the future of mission command, combining technology and human capability to give soldiers the edge they need on the battlefield,” Anduril founder Palmer Luckey stated.
“By empowering soldiers with the tools they need to make faster, smarter decisions, we’re building a future where technology and human ingenuity combine to ensure mission success.”
