The future of warfare is being redefined by the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), which is working on a program to create “hyper-enabled operators” (HEOs) that will be equipped with advanced AI technology, after abandoning its half-century dream of a powered armor akin to an “Iron Man” suit.
What Happened: The HEO program, which was first introduced to the public in 2019, is a successor to the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) initiative, Wired reported on Monday.
The TALOS program aimed to provide U.S. special operations forces with an “Iron Man” suit, but it was discontinued in 2019 due to integration challenges. The HEO program, however, is now seen as the natural successor.
The HEO program aims to provide warfighters with a “cognitive overmatch” on the battlefield, giving them the ability to make informed decisions faster than their adversaries. This will be achieved through advanced ...