The Soldier of the Future programs are aimed at improving the combat capability of infantry with the help of technology. Different countries have different approaches to the implementation of this concept. Some implement fully integrated development and procurement programs, sometimes involving dozens of different components. Others prefer separate programs to improve individual elements of soldiers' equipment.
Many of these programs include physical equipment that increases soldiers' survival, reduces physical exertion, and/or directly increases lethality. Improved armor, harnesses, as well as small arms and accessories are often used. However, most modern concepts for equipping soldiers of the future focus on the capabilities of advanced electronics that enhance efficiency, including sensors, network and communication systems, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) functions.
The "Soldier of the future" of the US Army
The US Army is one of the formations implementing programs to improve the capabilities of its personnel. The key programs of the Department for the Implementation of army programs – the Army's Program Executive Office (PEO Soldier) – are divided into six main categories of modernization, including increasing the combat lethality of soldiers (Soldier Lethality, SL).
SL's portfolio includes the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program and situational awareness and visual support programs, including the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS). Individually and collectively, these new systems are designed to enhance both survival and combat effectiveness of the soldier of the future. The third set of technologies, the Soldier Protection System (SPS), is being developed and implemented as part of the soldier's survival program (PEO Soldier's Soldier Survivability). It is aimed at creating new body armor.
NGSW
The squad's new generation of weapons (NGSW, read more here ) consists of an M7 rifle and an M250 automatic rifle, both chambered for a new 6.8×51 mm cartridge (also known as .277 Fury). The new firearms, developed by Sig Sauer, will replace the M4 carbine and the M249 submachine gun, respectively, in advanced combat units. Each type of weapon is equipped with a Vortex Optic XM157 optical sight and a fire control system.
The weapon of the soldier of the future by Sig Sauer
Field trials began in March 2024 with the 101st Airborne Division, and on May 20, 2025, the Army announced that the NGSW system had proven to meet the service's standards for performance, safety, and maintenance. In an extended pre- and post-field test assessment, the Pentagon concluded that the new weapon would significantly increase range and accuracy compared to traditional firearms.
A dissenting opinion published in April 2025 by an infantry officer who criticized the accuracy, reliability, and weight of the M7 was rejected by the army as based on incomplete observations. Nevertheless, in the latest annual report of the Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation of the Ministry of Defense (DOTE), negative feedback from soldiers about the XM157 sight was noted. According to the DOTE 2024 report published in January 2025, the usability was rated as "below average/unsatisfactory." Unlike the two types of firearms, optics are still officially classified as testable.
IVAS
Since its introduction, the "Integrated Visual Augmentation System" program ( read more here ) has faced technical difficulties, as well as negative user reviews. The device is based on Microsoft Hololens Augmented/Mixed Reality (AR/MR) headset.
A group of soldiers equipped with IVAS
The military version of IVAS is designed to enhance each soldier's situational awareness and ability to make tactical decisions. It consists of a projection display (HUD), a wearable computer ("washers") and network radio. The combined glasses and AR/MR HUD capabilities include daylight vision, image intensification (I2) technology to improve visibility in low-light conditions, thermal imaging, and augmented reality supported by situational awareness software. In addition, the "puck" and the radio receiver can create a wireless connection between the HUD and the digital sight mounted on the weapon, allowing soldiers to survey the surrounding environment or hit targets while in hiding.
In February 2025, Anduril Industries took over the program management previously carried out by Microsoft. A month earlier, the Army's Contracting Command sent a request to industry companies "requesting information (...) on the development and production capabilities of the IVAS Next system." Both the request for information and the restructuring of the existing program indicate that no decision will be made on the production of IVAS in 2025.
SPS
The multicomponent modular helmet protection system for soldiers of the future ( read more here ) provides the same or higher protection for the head, neck, eyes, torso and groin as traditional bulletproof vests, while it is lighter and more comfortable. Main components: torso and limb protection (TTK), including a modular scalable vest (MMJ), a lightly armored ballistic combat jacket and an anti-shock pelvic shield; a set of vital torso protection (HRT) from the front, rear and side armor plates for installation in the MMJ; integrated head protection system (IGS), consisting of It consists of a basic helmet, which can be supplemented with lower jaw protection and glasses.
Soldier of the 1st Cavalry Division in a set of SPS armored equipment
The SPS system was introduced in 2016-2019, but three upgraded components are currently being purchased. The introduction of second-generation MMJ and third-generation HRT began in 2021 and is expected to be completed in 2028. Deliveries of the new generation LNG began in February 2024. The 82nd Airborne Division is testing and refining the design to ensure an adequate level of protection and comfort for all body types, including women. The army plans to purchase 150,000 units of each type of system.
Nett Warrior
The Army also continues to modernize the Nett Warrior integrated situational awareness system. (https://invoen.ru/obraszi-vooruzhenija-i-voennoj-tehniki/novie-voennie-tehnologii/sistemi-soldat-budushego-tekushie-programi/), first introduced in 2012. It is designed so that the commanders of dismounted tactical units (at the squad level and above) can better navigate the situation and access the integrated tactical network at the brigade level using secure smartphones or "end user devices" (EUD).
The "soldier of the Future" from the 101st Airborne Division checks his Nett Warrior End User Device (EUD)
Special software for performing tasks, including the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK), provides access to real-time maps, messaging, and task data streams. As part of the ongoing modernization, Elbit America has received a contract for the supply of 33,000 next-generation portable USB hubs for connecting electronic devices to navigation devices, sighting devices, night vision sensors and thermal imaging sensors, including sensors installed on unmanned systems.
To be continued...
Source: euro-sd.com
