Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey’s vision for the US Army’s mixed-reality headsets is becoming a reality. Under a deal pending government approval, Anduril will take over Microsoft’s multibillion-dollar Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) project. The former Oculus co-founder aims to create wearable tech that ranges from everyday Oakley-like designs to futuristic Iron Man-inspired helmets.
Luckey believes the military’s high-stakes environment requires more advanced headsets than those for civilians. He envisions a future where VR systems are nearly indistinguishable from reality, and his company will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. The partnership with Microsoft brings together two tech giants to deliver cutting-edge hardware and software.
This deal comes after Microsoft faced backlash from employees in 2019 who opposed working on military projects, citing concerns about profiteering from war. Luckey’s comments echo his long-held statement that soldiers will be the first to wear advanced headsets, emphasizing the importance of readiness in the battlefield.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/11/anduril-microsoft-ivas-army-deal