The US Army has awarded Kopin Corporation a $15.4-million contract to build “ultra-bright, full-color” MicroLED augmented reality (AR) displays for soldiers, which could sharply enhance how troops see the battlefield.
In a press release, Kopin said the award positions the company “as the cornerstone of America’s defense innovation and domestic manufacturing ecosystem.”
“By advancing daytime and nighttime readable AR display technology, Kopin is poised to redefine battlefield vision systems, enhancing soldier lethality, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness,” the firm said.
Why MicroLED AR Displays?
Unlike traditional displays, MicroLED AR displays are brighter, tougher, and more energy-efficient. This allows soldiers to have clearer visuals under harsh sunlight or in low-visibility conditions. They are also designed to prevent visual glitches that could affect performance during long missions.
The contract is expected to build on Kopin’s existing Soldier Display Trade Study and Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research contract for an off-the-visor extended reality prototype.
The company will also establish a US-based production capability as part of this latest contract, issued through the Industrial Base Analysis program under the US Army Contracting Command of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Kopin CEO, chairperson, and president Michael Murray said the deal aligns with the company’s growth trajectory as it “paves the way for future defense programs” and could transform how soldiers “see and interact” with the battlefield.
“This award is a testament to our ability to deliver cutting-edge, soldier-centric solutions that enhance lethality and situational awareness,” he said. “We are creating AR systems that not only push technological boundaries but also prioritize human factors, ensuring soldier acceptance and operational success.”
Kopin brings more than 40 years of experience and has already delivered over 400,000 vision systems for defense use. In April 2025, the company received a $7.5-million contract to supply microdisplays for a Department of Defense contractor.
