Anduril Secures $159M U.S. Army Contract for SBMC Helmet with Night Vision, AR, AI, and Drone Control

Anduril Industries has secured a $159 million contract from the United States Army to develop an advanced night vision and mixed reality system under the Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) initiative, previously known as IVAS Next. This program represents a significant leap forward in battlefield technology, aiming to equip soldiers with a helmet-integrated system that merges night vision, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities in high-stakes combat environments.

Photo: army.mil

The SBMC system is designed to serve as a cognitive extension of the soldier, offering real-time data integration and visual overlays that adapt to changing battlefield conditions. By combining multiple imaging modalities—daylight, thermal, and night vision—the system provides a comprehensive visual feed that allows soldiers to perceive threats and terrain with unprecedented clarity. This fusion of sensory inputs is processed through AI algorithms that prioritize and highlight mission-critical information.

One of the most groundbreaking features of the SBMC system is its ability to control unmanned assets directly from the headset. Soldiers can operate drones and ground robots without diverting their attention from the battlefield, enabling seamless coordination between manned and unmanned units. This capability transforms the headset into a command-and-control hub, reducing latency in tactical responses and improving operational fluidity.

The integration of battlefield data is not limited to visual feeds; the system also incorporates geospatial intelligence, communications metadata, and sensor telemetry. These data streams are synthesized in real time, allowing soldiers to receive alerts, track unit positions, and monitor environmental conditions without relying on external devices. The result is a unified interface that consolidates multiple layers of information into a single, intuitive display.

Anduril’s collaboration with major technology firms such as Meta, Qualcomm, and Palantir underscores the scale and ambition of the SBMC project. These partnerships bring together expertise in hardware acceleration, spatial computing, and data analytics to build a robust software architecture based on Anduril’s Lattice platform. Lattice serves as the backbone of the system, enabling modular updates, secure data transmission, and adaptive user interfaces.

The software architecture is designed for rapid iteration and deployment, with updates now achievable in just 15 minutes—a dramatic improvement over the previous two-day cycle. This agility allows the Army to respond quickly to emerging threats and operational feedback, ensuring that the system remains relevant and effective in dynamic combat scenarios. It also reduces downtime and logistical overhead, making the technology more sustainable in field conditions.

The SBMC system is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a paradigm shift in how soldiers interact with their environment and each other. By embedding intelligence into the helmet itself, the system decentralizes command functions and empowers individual soldiers to make informed decisions on the fly. This decentralization enhances unit autonomy and resilience, particularly in contested or communication-denied environments.

Artificial intelligence plays a central role in the system’s functionality, analyzing visual inputs and contextual data to identify patterns, flag anomalies, and suggest tactical options. The AI engine is trained on vast datasets from previous missions and simulations, allowing it to recognize subtle cues that might escape human perception. This predictive capability can be the difference between mission success and failure in high-pressure situations.

The augmented reality component overlays mission-relevant graphics onto the soldier’s field of view, such as navigation markers, threat indicators, and team positions. These overlays are dynamically updated based on movement, terrain, and operational objectives, ensuring that the information remains accurate and actionable. The AR interface is designed to be non-intrusive, allowing soldiers to maintain full visual awareness while accessing critical data.

Thermal imaging integration enables soldiers to detect heat signatures through smoke, darkness, and camouflage, providing a tactical advantage in low-visibility conditions. This capability is especially valuable in urban warfare and reconnaissance missions, where traditional optics may be insufficient. The system’s ability to blend thermal data with other imaging modes creates a layered visual experience that enhances threat detection and target acquisition.

Real-time communication is another cornerstone of the SBMC system, facilitating secure voice, video, and data exchange between units and command centers. The headset acts as a node in a distributed network, relaying information across multiple channels and adapting to bandwidth constraints. This ensures that soldiers remain connected even in complex or degraded environments.

The system’s modular design allows for customization based on mission requirements and soldier roles. Components such as sensors, processors, and display units can be swapped or upgraded without replacing the entire system, reducing costs and extending the technology’s lifecycle. This modularity also supports interoperability with other military platforms and coalition forces.

Anduril’s approach to development emphasizes user feedback and iterative testing, with prototypes undergoing rigorous evaluation in simulated and live-fire exercises. Soldiers are actively involved in shaping the system’s interface and functionality, ensuring that the final product meets operational needs. This human-centered design philosophy enhances usability and adoption across diverse units.

The SBMC initiative reflects a broader trend in defense innovation, where commercial technologies are adapted for military use to accelerate development and reduce costs. By leveraging advancements in consumer electronics, cloud computing, and machine learning, the Army can field cutting-edge solutions without reinventing the wheel. This approach fosters a more agile and responsive defense ecosystem.

The partnership with Palantir brings advanced data analytics and mission planning tools into the fold, enabling commanders to visualize scenarios, simulate outcomes, and allocate resources more effectively. These capabilities are integrated into the SBMC system, allowing for real-time adjustments and strategic foresight. The result is a more informed and adaptive command structure.

Qualcomm’s contribution focuses on hardware optimization and connectivity, ensuring that the system operates efficiently under demanding conditions. Their expertise in mobile processing and wireless communication enhances the headset’s performance and reliability. This collaboration bridges the gap between consumer-grade technology and military-grade resilience.

Meta’s involvement centers on spatial computing and user interface design, drawing from their experience in virtual and augmented reality. Their input helps refine the visual experience and interaction models, making the system more intuitive and immersive. This cross-pollination of ideas accelerates innovation and broadens the system’s potential applications.

The SBMC system is a testament to the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration and technological convergence. It embodies the future of soldier-centric design, where digital augmentation enhances human capabilities without compromising autonomy or situational awareness. As the system evolves, it will likely serve as a blueprint for next-generation combat technologies.