The Pentagon has approved $6.7 million ($A7 million) to develop binoculars that can tap a user's brainwaves, to home in on threats.
In theory, a helmet packed with electrodes would record neural responses to the presence or absence of potential threats.
Northrop Grumman, which is leading the project, says the brain would train the system to zoom in on things like enemy forces up to 10 kilometers away.
Los Angeles-based Northrop outlined in a statement how the helmet’s custom features work with the brain.
“[The brain's input would] train the system's algorithms, which will continue to be refined over time so that the warfighter is always presented with items of relevance to his mission."
Although this may not happen anytime soon, a prototype of the project has not yet been completed, and the Pentagon will decide after a 12 month trial whether they will be extending the contract.