Galvion has launched its CORTEX EVO™ system at SOF Week 2026, marking a significant shift in how power and data management are integrated into headborne soldier systems.
Building on the architecture first introduced in 2025, the EVO system embeds power distribution and processing capabilities directly within the helmet structure itself.
By combining a ballistic core with a lightweight composite shell and internal data pathways, the design minimizes the need for externally mounted components. This streamlined approach is intended to preserve the traditional size and weight characteristics of ballistic helmets while providing a scalable foundation for advanced sensing, visual, and communication tools.
Central to this ecosystem is the AlertCentr™ software. Operating within TAK-based environments, this software manages mission-relevant data at the headborne level, providing operators with configurable audio and visual cues. This allows for the consumption of critical information, such as sensor feeds or navigation data, without the need for users to divert their attention to secondary handheld devices.
The system utilizes an open architecture to support a variety of capability pathways. Current integrations include visual augmentation for video and navigation, digital headset connectivity for system-level interaction, and advanced sensing for threat identification. Because the platform is designed to be interoperable, it accommodates both proprietary Galvion technologies and third-party innovations.
Strategic collaborations remain a pillar of the CORTEX evolution. The current ecosystem includes laser threat detection from Sentinel Photonics, friend-or-foe signaling from Adventure Lights, and optical imaging integration from Thermoteknix. Additionally, Distance Technologies is contributing to the development of advanced visual augmentation and display pathways to further evolve headborne visualization.
Jonathan Blanshay, Founder & Executive Chairman at Galvion, said, “Protection of the Warfighter drives everything that we do, but how we define protection has shifted significantly over the past 20 years. We’ve pushed far beyond passive protection—expanding capability, integrating systems, and reducing the burden on the operator to increase survivability and lethality. CORTEX EVO is the strongest expression of that thinking to date. It reimagines what a helmet can be, uniting protection, power, data and compute as a purpose-built platform.”
The development of the system draws on years of research and data from millions of fielded helmets. By focusing on modularity and upgradability, the platform is designed to meet the specific demands of digitized soldiers operating in increasingly complex environments.
Blanshay added, “Designing for the digitized soldier demands modularity, scalability, and upgradability, and the EVO delivers on all three. It benefits from years of advanced design, research, development programs, and millions of helmets fielded. All of the insights gained from engaging with our end-users across the globe have influenced CORTEX EVO, and we’re incredibly excited to be showcasing the system at SOF Week.”
