U.S. Army explores high-altitude balloons and smart glasses

The U.S. Army is advancing several new technologies aimed at enhancing battlefield capabilities, including high-altitude balloon systems and augmented reality smart glasses.

Lt. Gen. John Rafferty, commander of the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command, noted that high-altitude balloons have proven to be “game-changing” after witnessing their use in military exercises in Morocco. These platforms can operate at altitudes between 60,000 and 100,000 feet for extended periods, serving as surveillance tools, communications hubs, or launch platforms for drone swarms. This technology is intended to bridge the gap between traditional aircraft and satellites.

Simultaneously, the Army is developing the Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) program to provide infantry with advanced visual interfaces. Following the challenges faced by the previous Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), the Army has awarded significant prototyping contracts to private firms. Rivet, a Washington, D.C.-based startup, received a $195 million contract to develop smart glasses that allow soldiers to command AI agents and robots using natural language. Additionally, a team led by Anduril, with Meta providing optics, received $159 million to develop prototypes featuring high-resolution displays and a wider field of view.