Galvion to introduce CORTEX EVO integrated headborne system at SOF Week 2026

CORTEX was first introduced at SOF Week 2025 as a new category of intelligent headborne systems. According to Galvion, the architecture created a framework for integrating power, data and processing at the operator level.

The new CORTEX EVO system embeds power distribution, data connectivity and processing directly within the helmet structure. Galvion said this reduces reliance on externally mounted components and enables smoother interaction between sensing, visual and communication systems.

The system combines a ballistic core, embedded power and data pathways and a lightweight composite shell structure. The company said the design is intended to preserve the size, weight and performance characteristics expected of a ballistic helmet while creating a scalable foundation for future configurations.

At the centre of the system is Galvion’s AlertCentr software, which is designed to deliver and manage mission-relevant data at the headborne level. Integrated within TAK-based environments, AlertCentr supports configurable visual and audio cueing so operators can access critical information without shifting attention to secondary devices.

The CORTEX EVO system shown at SOF Week includes visual augmentation, sensing and awareness functions, audio and communication integration, and a unified power and data infrastructure. Galvion said the open architecture allows both company-developed and third-party technologies to operate within one system environment.

Galvion is also working with selected industry partners as part of the CORTEX ecosystem. Sentinel Photonics contributes laser threat detection, Adventure Lights provides identification friend-or-foe signalling and intermediary laser detection, Thermoteknix supports optical and fused imaging integration, and Distance Technologies contributes advanced visual augmentation pathways.

Jonathan Blanshay, founder and executive chairman at Galvion, said: “Protection of the Warfighter drives everything that we do, but how we define protection has shifted significantly over the past 20 years.”

“We’ve pushed far beyond passive protection—expanding capability, integrating systems, and reducing the burden on the operator to increase survivability and lethality,” Blanshay added. “CORTEX EVO is the strongest expression of that thinking to date. It reimagines what a helmet can be, uniting protection, power, data and compute as a purpose-built platform.”

Blanshay said the system reflects the requirements of increasingly digital soldiers. “Designing for the digitized soldier demands modularity, scalability, and upgradability, and the EVO delivers on all three,” he said.

“It benefits from years of advanced design, research, development programs, and millions of helmets fielded. All of the insights gained from engaging with our end-users across the globe have influenced CORTEX EVO, and we’re incredibly excited to be showcasing the system at SOF Week,” Blanshay added.

Galvion said its product development is focused on moving beyond passive protection toward active, integrated systems that improve performance and survivability. The company develops head systems, power and data management solutions and integrated soldier systems for military and tactical teams.

The company is privately owned and operates accredited facilities in New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts in the United States, Montreal in Canada, Bristol in the United Kingdom and Gdańsk in Poland. Galvion said it employs more than 450 people across its operations.