Thales to provide advanced Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display systems across Air Force, Guard, and Reserve fleets, enhancing pilot situational awareness and operational capabilities.
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Thales Defense & Security, Inc. a contract to provide advanced Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display retrofit kits for its F-16 fighter jets, the company announced on April 8, 2025. The contract, issued through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), marks a significant modernization effort for the Air Force’s helmet display technology.
The Scorpion HMD kits will replace the older Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) currently used by F-16 pilots, introducing a modern digital platform with enhanced capabilities. The new system provides pilots with full-color symbology and a single display solution that works effectively in both day and night operations.
“Modernization efforts around helmet-mounted displays for aircraft are essential to pilots as they provide critical real-time information directly in their line of sight, enhancing situational awareness, decision-making, and operational efficiency while reducing the need to divert attention from the aircraftβs instruments and environment,” said Jim Geraghty, Vice President of Visionix, Thales.
The contract specifically covers active duty and Air National Guard F-16 block 40 and 50 aircraft, with the goal of standardizing helmet display technology across Air Force, Air National Guard, and USAF Reserve F-16 fleets.
Thales Visionix, a division of Thales Defense & Security, Inc., will manage the contract. The division specializes in developing advanced optics, motion tracking, and symbology for both fixed and rotary wing helmet-mounted displays.
A key technological advancement in the Scorpion system is the integration of TDSI’s precision HObIT (Hybrid Optically based Inertial Tracker) tracker. This system delivers improved tracking accuracy through a fusion of inertial-optical technology, providing pilots with superior awareness capabilities.
“Already supporting F-16 Air National Guard pilots with superior awareness and tracking capability, Scorpion kits will now enhance holistic USAF air dominance,” Geraghty added.
The contract with NSPA is the first of several anticipated delivery orders to support the Air Force’s F-16 modernization program. Additionally, the contract includes a procurement option that would allow any NATO partner nation operating F-16 aircraft to acquire the same Scorpion kit capability for similarly configured aircraft.
Initial deliveries of the Scorpion HMD kits to the U.S. Air Force are expected to begin in late 2025.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Air Force awards Thales a contract for advanced Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display systems for F-16 fighter jets.
- The new system provides full-color symbology and works in both day and night operations, replacing the older JHMCS.
- The contract standardizes helmet display technology across Air Force, Air National Guard, and Reserve F-16 fleets.
- NATO partners operating F-16s can also procure the technology through the same contract.
- Initial deliveries are expected in late 2025.
