Updated US Army IVAS Headset May Roll Out in 2025

The United States Army and Microsoft are set to roll out an updated version of its Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) headset in 2025, reports show.

Windows Central reported that version 1.2 of the HoloLens-based headset would feature a lighter, streamlined form factor. The head-mounted display (HMD) will also host a separate controller aimed at boosting computing power.

The separate components will reduce head strain for soldiers using the device to balance out front-end weight from previous iterations. This has reduced the weight from 3.4 pounds to 2.85 pounds—the same as the US Army’s Enhanced Night Vision Goggle Binoculars.

It will also feature colour-coded navigational capabilities. The IVAS system will face additional tests prior to its release following a series of ongoing trials in real-world situations.

The Army recently bought 5,000 v1.0 devices and a further 5,000 v1.1 headsets to arrive in 2024. v1.2 will also host two rounds of development along with soldiers offering extensive feedback for optimisation.

The Army received the first batch of its IVAS 1.0 headsets in October last year. Its Training and Doctrine Command, Maneuver Center of Excellence, and other departments have been testing the v1.0 kit.

IVAS Headset Plans

Numerous military personnel, such as fighter pilots and infantry soldiers, will test the devices across situations before receiving additional phases. Military staff will test the device’s edge computing, tactical heads-up displays (HUDs), thermal and night vision, passive targeting, and other features for combat readiness.

According to reports, officials will conduct field testing by late 2025 fiscal year.

Senate Appropriations Committee Troubles

The news comes after the $22 billion USD deal faced significant headwinds from 2021 to last year, leading to huge cuts in US government funding following a Senate meeting.