Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI), a U.S. subsidiary of Thales, has been awarded a contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to supply Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) retrofit kits for the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) F-16 fleet.
The contract supports modernization of helmet systems for F-16 block 40 and 50 aircraft operated by the USAF, the Air National Guard, and the USAF Reserve. The Scorpion HMD kits will replace the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), offering a standardized and more advanced solution across all relevant U.S. Air Force F-16 units.
Scorpion HMD provides full-color symbology and a single digital display for day and night operations. It also integrates TDSI’s HObIT (Hybrid Optically based Inertial Tracker), which uses inertial-optical fusion to ensure precise tracking and situational awareness in flight.
The initial delivery of retrofit kits is expected by late 2025. The contract includes options for future orders and allows other NATO F-16 users with compatible aircraft to adopt the same system.
According to Thales, the Scorpion HMD will enhance aircrew awareness, speed up decision-making, and reduce the need for pilots to divert attention from the cockpit environment. It is already used by Air National Guard pilots and will now be extended to the wider USAF fleet.
This award reflects Thales’ continued presence in the U.S. defense market, where the company operates 37 sites and employs nearly 5,000 people.
