On September 15, U.S. microdisplay manufacturer Kopin announced that the company had won an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) contract worth US$15.4 million (approximately RMB 112 million) from the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). Under contract requirements, Kopin will develop ultra-high brightness, full-color Micro LED microdisplays for AR equipment for ground combat soldiers.
Kopin plans to invest the funds in the development of Micro LED display technology for integrated visual augmented reality (IVAS) systems, striving to allow the display to clearly present pictures during the day with direct light and in environments with extremely low visibility. Micro LED technology is known for its high brightness, low power consumption, and high durability. It can avoid smearing due to long-term use and help soldiers stay focused during combat and make efficient decisions.
Kopin revealed that as a long-term partner of the U.S. military, the company has previously delivered more than 400,000 military vision systems. This latest contract will lay a solid foundation for the company's innovative development. Subsequently, Kopin will combine Micro LED technology with its own manufacturing capabilities in the United States to create an AR system for the U.S. military, significantly improving soldiers 'perception and combat effectiveness on the battlefield.
Data shows that Kopin is headquartered in Massachusetts and has a wide range of business. Its products cover AMLCD, LCOS, Micro oled, Micro LED microdisplays, display modules, eyepiece assemblies, image projection modules, vehicle-mounted and head-mounted display systems, and various optical devices. and low-power ASIC chips have a large number of applications in defense, enterprise, industrial and consumer fields.
Just in April this year, Kopin won two consecutive defense project contracts, one to supply micro displays for pilot helmet display systems, and the other to develop Micro LED full-color micro displays for military XR head-up display devices.
In August of the same year, Kopin once again announced that it had received a $9 million additional contract for defense thermal imaging components to supply microdisplays, lenses and drive electronics to build thermal imaging components.
While the U.S. defense market continues to receive orders, Kopin is also actively planning to expand its business landscape. In August, Kopin and Theon, a manufacturer of thermal imaging and night vision systems, reached a strategic investment agreement totaling US$15 million (approximately RMB 75 million). The two sides will work together to accelerate the research and development of key technologies and explore the European and NATO defense markets. According to the agreement, Theon injected US$8 million into Kopin's subsidiary in Dargetti Bay, Scotland, UK, and obtained a 49% stake in Kopin Europe to support the joint research and development of products for Europe, Southeast Asia and NATO defense markets, and promote cooperation in important global market areas.
