The move stems from a second contract between the consortium Hensoldt Optronics – Theon Sensors and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), leading to the output of 20,000 additional night vision binoculars for Germany and Belgium, scheduled for delivery over 2024 and 2025. The first contract, signed in 2021, was aimed at increasing Belgian and German night vision capabilities to achieve the level required by NATO Capability Objective 1201 “Advanced Individual Combat Capability”.
A total of 16,325 Mikron night vision goggles have been delivered to Germany (11 775 units) and Belgium (4,550 units) and actually 30,000 pieces in total shall be delivered including options on that first contract. Adding this second contract, over 50,000 binoculars shall be delivered between Germany and Belgium. An option of 25,000 additional night vision goggles is included in this new contract.
Photonis was the first brand to offer 4G 16mm image intensifier tubes, and its technology is the most widely used by European Armed Forces.
The integration of Photonis image intensifier tubes in the Mikron night vision binoculars will enable dismounted soldiers and military vehicle drivers to view their surroundings, move around and engage in combat even in the darkest nights. This will also boost interoperability and reduce the logistical footprint on the ground where both nations are deployed.
“Over the years, our technology has become an essential part of European defense. Conflict evolves as does technology, which is why we invest in Research and Development to provide more effective solutions for soldiers. War is now in Europe, so Armed Forces need high-tech equipment to gain advantage,” says Frédéric Guilhem, Chief Commercial Officer of Exosens.
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