On Thursday, May 14, 2026, Canadian company Galvion, which specializes in the design and manufacture of innovative head protection systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, announced that at the upcoming Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2026 conference in Tampa, Florida, on May 18–21, it will present its new Cortex Evo helmet-mounted system at booth No. 1739. The system is designed to integrate accessories with power, communications and data-processing systems on Batlskin-family helmets.
Integrated architecture of Galvion’s Cortex Evo helmet-mounted system, with built-in power and data infrastructure / Photos: Galvion
Cortex Evo is a development of the Cortex system unveiled at SOF Week 2025, a new category of intelligent helmet-mounted systems that created a framework for integrating power, communications and data processing at operator level. At SOF Week 2026, Galvion is expanding on this foundation with a more integrated approach, bringing multiple capability pathways together within a single helmet-mounted architecture.
Cortex Evo integrates power distribution, data communications and data processing directly into the helmet structure. This approach reduces dependence on externally mounted components and enables smoother interaction between sensor, vision and communications systems. The system architecture combines a ballistic core, embedded power and data pathways, and a lightweight composite helmet shell structure, reflecting a deliberate approach to integration. Thoughtful component design and system architecture make it possible to preserve the size, weight and performance characteristics of a ballistic helmet while creating a compact, scalable foundation for future configurations across different platforms.
At the core of the system is Galvion’s AlertCentr software, which enables mission-critical data to be delivered and managed at helmet level. Integrated with environments based on the ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) app ecosystem, AlertCentr supports configurable visual and audio alerts, enabling operators to access and act on key information without diverting attention to additional devices.
Galvion’s Cortex Evo system with a digital headset and night-vision integration
The system presented at SOF Week integrates multiple elements of functionality within the Cortex architecture, including:
- Visual augmentation: ATAK video, sensor feeds and navigation integration;
- Detection and awareness: detection and identification capabilities supporting enhanced threat awareness;
- Audio and communications: integration with a digital headset enabling configurable alerts and system-level interaction;
- Power and data infrastructure: a unified architecture enabling scalable subsystem integration.
These capabilities are made possible by an open architecture that allows both technologies developed by Galvion and those from other companies to operate within a single system environment.
As part of this evolving ecosystem, Galvion continues to work with selected industry partners operating within the Cortex architecture:
- Sentinel Photonics: advanced laser threat detection capabilities;
- Adventure Lights: identification friend-or-foe signaling and indirect laser detection;
- Thermoteknix: integration with optical and fused imaging;
- Distance Technologies: advanced visual augmentation pathways for displays and helmet-mounted visualization systems.
These collaborations reflect Galvion’s approach to building interoperable system solutions that evolve with user requirements.
Jonathan Blanshay, founder and CEO of 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.”
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.”
Press release
See also:
- Canada Orders Additional Batlskin Caiman Helmets from Galvion
- Galvion Unveils the Ultralight Hellbender UL Helmet
- Galvion Expands ‘Charge on the Move’ Capability with Vehicle and Dismounted Integration Solutions
- Galvion to Supply NATO with Over 250,000 Caiman Ballistic Helmets
- Galvion introduces Batlskin Caiman Ultra-Light Helmet at AUSA 2025