DOW Boosts U.S. Display Tech Production

Investments aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing of advanced MicroLED displays for military applications.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Defense, through its Department of War (DOW), has announced two investments totaling $24.5 million to bolster the U.S. supply chain for advanced optical displays. The projects, funded through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy (OASW(IBP))'s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program, were awarded to Kopin Corporation and Tectus Corporation. They will focus on developing and validating a cost-effective manufacturing process for MicroLED displays that are essential for next-generation weapon systems.

Why it matters

Microdisplays are crucial components in delivering information to military personnel, integrated into solutions across all domains including heads-up-displays, advanced night vision goggles, weapon optics, and unmanned systems. Securing a domestic supply of advanced MicroLED displays is vital for the Department's next-generation defense applications, ensuring both performance and security.

The details

The two projects will establish an onshore, multi-vendor supply chain of state-of-the-art MicroLED displays. MicroLED technology promises to enable daylight readability with full-color symbology and imagery by delivering ultra-high brightness levels that remain visible in direct sunlight, while also supporting high image quality at low brightness for nighttime operations. The technology also allows for reduced size, weight and power, improving warfighter capability and effectiveness.

  • The Department of War (DOW) announced the investments on September 19, 2025.
  • The investments were awarded this summer.

The players

U.S. Department of Defense

The U.S. Department of Defense, also known as the Department of War (DOW), is the executive department of the federal government responsible for national security and the United States Armed Forces.

Kopin Corporation

Kopin Corporation is a technology company based in Westborough, Massachusetts that specializes in developing and manufacturing advanced optical displays and components.

Tectus Corporation

Tectus Corporation is a technology company based in Cupertino, California that specializes in developing and manufacturing advanced optical displays and components.

Michael Cadenazzi

Michael Cadenazzi is the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy.

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What they’re saying

“Microdisplays are crucial components in delivering information to the joint warfighter and are integrated into solutions across all domains including heads-up-displays for pilots, advanced night vision goggles, weapon optics, and unmanned systems. Securing a domestic supply of advanced MicroLED displays is vital for the Department's next-generation defense applications, ensuring both performance and security.”

— Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy (Mirage News)

What’s next

The projects funded by the investments will focus on developing and validating a cost-effective manufacturing process for MicroLED displays that are essential for next-generation weapon systems.

The takeaway

These investments demonstrate the Department of Defense's commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing and securing critical supply chains for advanced display technologies that are essential for the development and deployment of next-generation military capabilities.