Microsoft accepts nearly $ 22 billion deal to make AR headsets for the U.S. military

Microsoft Corp. agreed to build custom augmented reality headsets for the U.S. military in a deal worth up to $ 21.9 billion, expanding the tech company’s role as a major supplier to the government .

The devices will be based on Microsoft’s MSFT,
+ 1.69%
The HoloLens headset, which debuted in 2016, the company said in a blog post on Wednesday. Over 120,000 units of custom equipment will be delivered over a 10-year period and supported by Microsoft’s Azure cloud service. The helmets will help keep U.S. soldiers safe and more effective, Microsoft said, in part by improving situational awareness and providing training opportunities.