Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster

22nd October 2025 - 09:02 GMT | by Damian Kemp in Washington, DC

RSS

Kopin has been awarded a contract for micro-LEDs for combat aircraft displays. (Photo: Kopin)

The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.

Kopin, a Massachusetts, US-based display manufacturer, has noted several major milestones in the past year including a recent US$3.2 million contract award to provide micro-LED (micro-light-emitting diode) displays for combat aircraft head-up displays (HUDs).

The company last year outlined its work on micro-LED displays and plans to get it to dismounted troops displays which are vastly different than the company’s recently announced production version of a mono-chrome micro-LED which was designed for an aircraft retro-fit application.

Speaking to Shephard at AUSA last week, a company official said prototypes would be “available in October 2026 but the goal is to have

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Author

Damian Kemp

Damian Kemp has worked in the defence media for 25 years covering military aircraft, defence …

Read full bio

More from AUSA 2025

AUSA 2025: Hanwha Aerospace reveals new wheeled artillery system

The aerospace company showed a model of its new mobile howitzer at AUSA in Washington, where a representative told Shephard more about its design.
AUSA 2025: US Army and Bell squeeze MV-75 programme

The MV-75, previously V-280, was originally designed as an assault aircraft which would replace some of the Black Hawk helicopters and add speed as a tilt-rotor platform. It is now envisioned to add a greater multirole capability reminiscent of the Black Hawk fleet.
AUSA 2025: BAE Systems delivers more than 500 AMPVs to the US Army

The US Army requires 2,907 Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles to replace its M113 family, and there are multiple versions in production.
AUSA 2025: AM General Hawkeye awaits first production contract

AM General presented its new Hawkeye at AUSA 2025 in Washington, with prototypes of the howitzer system having been trialled in Ukraine last year.
AUSA 2025: GA-ASI and Hanwha to produce Gray Eagle STOL in South Korea

The Gray Eagle STOL will be made available to several international militaries, with initial customer delivery planned for 2028.
AUSA 2025: Lionstrike lays out plans for British Army vehicle bid as competitors get ready

In September 2025, BAE Systems announced that it was joining GM Defense and NP Aerospace to form Team Lionstrike. The team will be offering a version of GM Defense’s infantry support vehicle which is based on the commercial Colorado vehicle.