On September 15, Kopin, a US microdisplay manufacturer, announced that it had been awarded a $15.4 million (approximately RMB 112 million) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) contract from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) to develop ultra-bright, full-color Micro LED microdisplays for AR applications for ground combat soldiers.
Kopin will reportedly use the funds to develop Micro LED display technology compatible with integrated visual augmented reality (IVAS) systems, enabling clear images in bright sunlight and low-visibility environments. Micro LEDs offer high brightness, low power consumption, and high durability, avoiding motion blur caused by prolonged use and helping soldiers maintain focus and make efficient decisions in combat.
Kopin stated that it has delivered over 400,000 military vision systems and is a long-term partner of the U.S. military. The latest contract will lay the foundation for the company's innovative development. The company will combine Micro LED technology with local manufacturing capabilities to create an AR system for the U.S. military, significantly improving soldiers' battlefield awareness and combat effectiveness.
According to available information, Kopin's products cover AMLCD, LCOS, Micro OLED, Micro LED microdisplays, display modules, eyepiece assemblies, image projection modules, automotive and head-mounted display systems, as well as various optical components and low-power ASIC chips. These products are widely used in defense, enterprise, industrial and consumer sectors.
In April of this year, Kopin secured two new defense contracts to supply microdisplays for pilot helmet-mounted display systems and to develop full-color Micro LED microdisplays for military XR head-up display devices.
In August, Kopin announced that it had secured a $9 million additional contract for defense thermal imaging components, supplying microdisplays, lenses, and drive electronics to build thermal imaging assemblies.
While continuing to secure orders in the US defense market, Kopin is also planning to expand its business scope. In August, Kopin also reached a strategic investment agreement with Theon, a manufacturer of thermal imaging and night vision systems, for a total of US$15 million (approximately RMB 75 million) to accelerate the development of key technologies and expand into the European and NATO defense markets.
Theon invested $8 million in Kopin's subsidiary in Dalgety Firth, Scotland, acquiring a 49% stake in Kopin Europe. This investment aims to support joint research and development of products for the European, Southeast Asian, and NATO defense markets, and to promote cooperation in key global markets. (Compiled)
