The US Army has awarded Kopin Corporation a $15.4-million contract to develop and deliver next-generation “ultra-bright, full-color” MicroLED augmented reality (AR) displays, a step that could transform battlefield vision systems for soldiers. Kopin emphasized that the award cements its role as a key contributor to America’s defense technology ecosystem, ensuring cutting-edge solutions are sourced from domestic manufacturing bases. Unlike conventional displays, MicroLED AR devices provide superior brightness, durability, and energy efficiency. This means troops will have clear visuals even under intense sunlight or in low-visibility conditions, significantly reducing the risk of vision fatigue or operational errors during prolonged missions. The AR displays are engineered to eliminate glitches that could disrupt critical operations, thereby enhancing soldier lethality, situational awareness, and mission success. The contract builds upon earlier US Army projects, including Kopin’s Soldier Display Trade Study and its extended reality prototype developed under a Phase 2 SBIR initiative. Additionally, Kopin will establish a US-based production capability, contributing to the resilience of the American defense industrial base. With over 40 years of defense technology expertise and more than 400,000 vision systems already delivered, Kopin is well-positioned to integrate MicroLED AR into soldier systems at scale. The company has recently secured similar contracts, including a $7.5-million microdisplay deal with the DoD in April 2025, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in defense innovation.
