Anduril Takes the Reins of Microsoft's $22 Billion Military VR Headset Program

Anduril takes over Microsoft's $22B military VR headset program, aiming to revolutionize soldier technology with advanced augmented reality.
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Anduril Takes the Reins of Microsoft's $22 Billion Military VR Headset Program
In a surprising turn of events, Anduril Industries, the defense technology startup founded by Palmer Luckey, has assumed control of the U.S. Army's ambitious and beleaguered Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program. This monumental shift, announced by Luckey in a tongue-in-cheek blog post, marks a significant milestone for Anduril and a potential turning point for the future of military augmented reality. While awaiting final Department of Defense (DoD) approval, this move positions Anduril at the helm of a project initially valued at a staggering $21.9 billion. From HoloLens to the Battlefield: A Rocky Road to Reality The IVAS program, initially awarded to Microsoft in 2018, aimed to equip soldiers with ruggedized HoloLens-based augmented reality headsets. These headsets were envisioned to provide a tactical edge on the battlefield, offering features such as thermal sensors, integration with Tactical Assault Kit software (providing crucial mission information), and rea…