US Army leaders are currently taking inventory of their night vision devices to determine specific unit needs and to shape the requirements for the forthcoming IVAS Next competition, according to a service official.
Army Rangers from the 75th Ranger Regiment have been tasked with thoroughly testing Microsoft’s latest mixed-reality system, IVAS version 1.2, alongside dedicated night vision systems such as the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular (ENGV-B) and the PVS-14. „They will provide the most insightful feedback about the capabilities of the ENGV-B compared to the PVS-14 and the functionalities of IVAS,” the official stated. The goal is for these Rangers to offer a „more mature perspective” on night vision usage while addressing key factors such as the ideal IVAS form factor and battery requirements.
As the Army looks forward to the upcoming IVAS Next competition, there are indications that Microsoft’s position as the primary contractor could be challenged. However, Army leaders, including Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, recognized the need for more information to guide future developments, prompting the Ranger tests.
While testing of IVAS 1.2 is expected to continue — potentially culminating in an operational demonstration early next year — feedback from the Rangers is anticipated within a few months, with a decision regarding the future of night vision technology expected by fall. Breaking Defense previously reported that a solicitation for IVAS Next or a call for white papers is likely to occur later this year.
Army and Microsoft officials had hoped that the latest redesign would resolve technological issues that affected earlier headset versions. However, reports have surfaced suggesting that some recent testing “wasn’t going as desired,” according to the official. One area of concern is the integration of radio systems, which may require further development. Although some prior issues have improved, such as the transition from the 1.0 helmet design to the more user-friendly 1.2 flip-up model, challenges remain. „IVAS 1.2 is no longer that cumbersome device that requires you to remove your helmet,” the official noted, highlighting that complaints regarding physical discomfort, cyber sickness, peripheral vision limitations, and latency have decreased.
The ongoing evaluation aims to identify which components of IVAS should be advanced and which should return to the science and technology stages for fundamental modifications to address soldiers’ needs. IVAS testing with the Rangers, along with separate evaluations involving soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, is expected to clarify which units should be equipped with the mixed-reality device versus those better suited for traditional night vision systems.
„Identifying the right units for IVAS is crucial since it won’t be implemented across the board right away,” the Army official explained. „However, that doesn’t mean IVAS will only be reserved for special forces. There is broad consensus that regular forces will need this capability to excel at night.” Nonetheless, the official acknowledged that not every soldier will require night vision technology.
A spokesperson for the Program Executive Office Soldier, responsible for IVAS acquisition, declined to comment on the status of IVAS 1.2 and IVAS Next.
The defense industry is eagerly awaiting further details about the upcoming competition. Microsoft has expressed its commitment to compete, and Massachusetts-based Kopin has also indicated readiness. Prominent firms such as Anduril, Palantir, L3 Harris, the US branch of Israeli company Elbit, and the US subsidiary of BAE Systems have shown interest as reflected in Army industry day rosters.
However, as one industry source pointed out, the actual firms that enter the competition will largely depend on the final requirements for IVAS Next. „This time around, we hope the Army will leverage soldier feedback to refine its wish list for the system,” the source said.
One point of interest is whether the Army will determine night vision to be a critical capability that warrants integration into IVAS or if vendors will be allowed to propose different solutions—such as attaching a separate device for that function—to mitigate weight and integration issues. „We need a clear set of critical must-haves and an opportunity for innovation,” the source added. “Without that, the Army risks falling back into the same challenges.”