WASHINGTON, — U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is seeking a helmet-mounted display system that will allow special operators to control first-person-view (FPV) drones and monitor battlefield information while maintaining awareness of their surroundings.
A sources sought notice published on November 9 outlines the proposed system, which will combine ballistic protection, head tracking, drone control and real-time tactical information in a single module. The effort is currently at the market research stage, not a formal procurement.
Technical Requirements
USSOCOM requires a display with a 50-degree field of view that can show live drone video and information from the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), the military's mapping and situational awareness software.
The module must integrate with existing helmets, radios, power hubs and ATAK devices. It must also withstand windblast and operate in contested, congested and all-weather environments.
Unlike conventional FPV goggles, which cover the operator's eyes, the proposed display would allow troops to monitor drone video without losing sight of their immediate surroundings.
Growing FPV Drone Operations
The requirement reflects the growing use of FPV drones in Ukraine for reconnaissance and attacks using guided munitions.
U.S. special operations forces are also expanding their capabilities. Green Berets conducted FPV live-fire and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in October 2026. Earlier, U.S. Army Special Operations Command advanced an FPV drone procurement effort during SOF Week 2026 in May.
Industry is also developing smaller control systems for dismounted troops. Neros Technologies has reduced the size of its attack drone controller by more than half.
Lessons from the Army's IVAS Programme
USSOCOM's requested 50-degree field of view sits between the 40-degree AN/PVS-14 night-vision device and the Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), which initially targeted 70 degrees before reducing it to 60 degrees in the IVAS 1.2 redesign.
IVAS faced problems including headaches, eyestrain, nausea, added helmet weight and poor low-light performance. The Army purchased 5,000 IVAS 1.0 and 5,000 IVAS 1.1 systems in 2022 and 2023. However, a July 2026 Government Accountability Office report stated that none of the 10,000 developed units would be fielded.
The Army transitioned the programme to Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) in April 2025, awarding Anduril $159 million and Rivet $195 million for an 18-month prototyping effort. Anduril advanced to the second phase in August 2026 after testing initial systems with the 75th Ranger Regiment. It is expected to deliver 170 second-phase prototypes, with a possible production decision in fiscal year 2028.
Unlike IVAS, USSOCOM's proposed system focuses specifically on drone video, ATAK information and unmanned system control rather than a full mixed-reality headset.
Contracting and Next Steps
USSOCOM is seeking industry feedback on system requirements reviews, preliminary and critical design reviews, prototype deliveries and development testing. It is also considering a single award, firm-fixed-price or cost-plus contracts, and an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement to support faster prototyping.
Companies are also being asked to identify requirements that could restrict competition and opportunities for small businesses.
The command has not disclosed the programme budget, required display quantity or fielding date. Responses must be submitted through USSOCOM's Vulcan platform by 3 p.m. Eastern time on December 1, 2026.
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