Sources: 
Anduril, a weapons startup, and Meta, the social media giant, have teamed up to develop the EagleEye augmented reality (AR) helmets for U.S. soldiers. These helmets feature enhanced thermal and heat sensors designed to improve enemy detection on the battlefield.
The devices also incorporate advanced computing and communication capabilities, enabling soldiers to control drones directly from their helmets. This integration of AR technology aims to provide tactical advantages by combining real-time data with battlefield awareness.
The partnership has been in progress for nearly a year, according to Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril, who noted the collaboration's focus on creating cutting-edge military gear.
"The initial collaboration centers on what the companies are calling ‘EagleEye,’ where Meta and Anduril will build devices like helmets and headsets for U.S. soldiers that will have enhanced heat and thermal sensor capabilities to help detect enemies on the battlefield, as well as built-in compute and communications features to control drones," Luckey said.
This initiative reflects a growing trend of Silicon Valley companies entering defense technology, leveraging expertise in virtual and augmented reality to enhance military operations. The U.S. Department of Defense's substantial spending on contracts, totaling $156 billion in fiscal 2025 so far, underscores the scale of investment in such innovations.
By combining Meta's AR technology with Anduril's defense experience, EagleEye helmets represent a significant step toward modernizing soldier equipment with smart, connected devices that improve situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
"Weapons startup Anduril and social media giant Meta announced a partnership to design new virtual and augmented reality devices for the U.S. military," highlighting the strategic collaboration between tech and defense sectors.
As battlefield technology evolves, the EagleEye project exemplifies how augmented reality and sensor integration can transform soldier capabilities, potentially reshaping future combat scenarios.
Sources: Anduril and Meta have partnered to launch EagleEye AR helmets equipped with thermal sensors and advanced computing for U.S. soldiers, enhancing battlefield enemy detection and drone control. The collaboration, underway for nearly a year, aims to integrate augmented reality technology into military gear.
