Prototype Development for Soldier Borne Mission Command
Overview of Collaboration
L3Harris Technologies, in partnership with defense IT firm Anduril Industries, is set to develop a prototype of the innovative Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) system. This platform is scheduled for completion in advance of the U.S. Army’s Project Convergence capstone exercise in the summer of 2026.
Key Components of the SBMC Platform
The proposed SBMC prototype will merge L3Harris’ AN/PSQ-42 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular (ENVG-B) with Anduril’s Lattice mesh networking software. Jay Abendroth, the president of L3Harris’ Integrated Vision Solutions sector, underscored the project’s robustness and progress during a recent interview.
- Innovations in Night Vision Technology: Abendroth expressed confidence in the functionality of the existing night-vision goggle prototypes in conjunction with Lattice.
- Interoperability with Software Ecosystems: The integration will also leverage other software solutions within the military’s operational ecosystem to enhance mission capabilities.
Strategic Integration and Legacy Systems
In discussing L3Harris’s objectives within the SBMC initiative, Abendroth highlighted the importance of transitioning from traditional systems to modern digital infrastructures. This strategic alignment aims to facilitate seamless connectivity between legacy systems and emerging combat networking paradigms being advanced by the Department of Defense and different military branches.
- Modernizing Tactical Solutions: “We aim not just to produce analog night-vision systems,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to enrich capabilities that support situational awareness and connectivity among individual soldiers.
- Enhancing Networked Operations: The ENVG-B will serve as a critical link in integrating soldier-level technology into larger operational networks, thus augmenting overall mission effectiveness.
Conclusion
The collaboration between L3Harris and Anduril Industries represents a significant advancement in military technology. By developing a prototype for the SBMC, both companies aim to enhance the situational awareness and operational efficacy of soldiers on the battlefield, embodying a crucial step forward in defense modernization initiatives.
