The U.S. Special Operations Command expects to receive multiple prototypes of an “Iron Man-style” infantry suit by June, Breaking Defense reported Wednesday.Colin Clark writes that Adm. Michael McRaven, commander of SOCOM, said his unit is working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Army‘s Natick Soldier Systems Center on the project.
SOCOM’s wearable armor technology is intended to protect warfighters against ballistic weapons and keep service members from carrying too much weight in the field, according to the report.
“That suit, if done correctly, will yield revolutionary increase in survivability and lethality,†McRaven told an audience at a recent military conference in Washington, Clark writes.
Breaking Defense reports McRaven met with Pentagon acquisition chief Frank Kendall about a plan to offer cash prize to innovators who can help finish the suit.
SOCOM expects the first operating tactical gear to be ready by August 2018, according to Clark.
