Galvion is showcasing a new Cortex EVO HALO integration concept for the UK military’s in-service VIRTUS helmet fleet at Defence Vehicle Dynamics 2026.
The integration concept illustrates how the externally mounted Cortex EVO HALO system can extend and evolve fielded protective platforms by introducing advanced power, data, and processing capabilities. Based on Galvion’s Batlskin Cobra Plus head system, more than 270,000 VIRTUS helmets have been delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence since 2015. While the concept on display at booth C3-D22 is integrated onto the high-cut VIRTUS variant currently in service, the same upgrade approach can be applied to full-cut helmets across the wider fleet.
First introduced at Eurosatory 2026, the HALO configuration provides an externally mounted alternative to Galvion’s deeply integrated Embedded Cortex EVO architecture. Both configurations share the same core architecture, allowing defense operators to select an implementation method tailored to their specific operational requirements, procurement strategies, and lifecycle objectives.
The Cortex EVO architecture provides a common power and data backbone designed to support visual augmentation, digital communications, and sensing and awareness technologies. Information management at the headborne level is driven by Galvion’s AlertCentr software, which uses configurable visual and audio cueing to allow operators to process critical data without diverting attention to secondary devices. Operating on an open architecture, the system accommodates both Galvion-developed and third-party technologies within a unified system environment.
Peter Rafferty, President of Galvion UK, commented, “Cortex EVO represents an important part of where we believe soldier systems are heading – moving beyond passive protection toward intelligent, integrated systems that enhance capability at the headborne level. VIRTUS has provided the UK with a proven protective head system for more than a decade, and what we’re showing at DVD is how that existing platform can continue to evolve. Cortex EVO HALO creates a potential pathway to introduce advanced headborne capabilities while building on the equipment, experience and investment already in place. For us, delivering whole-life value means continuing to support and evolve fielded equipment as operational requirements change.”
