The European Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) signed in Bonn, Germany, a second amendment to the existing Night Vision Goggles and in-Service Support Contract on behalf of Belgium and Germany with the Consortium of HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH and THEON SENSORS SA.

The recently-signed second amendment includes 3,500 night vision goggles for Belgium as well as 16,041 night vision goggles and 8,423 Head Mounting Systems for Germany, with the latter two awaiting approval from the German parliament. The consortium expects to receive the said systems at the end of the first quarter of 2024. 

Moreover, the contract includes an option for up to 25,000 additional night vision goggles for Belgium and Germany. Thus, both Participating States have the opportunity to buy additional quantities without further negotiations. 

A first contract amendment was signed by OCCAR in July 2022, executing an option of the supply of additional 20,000 MIKRON Night Vision Goggles for the German Armed Forces, while the delivery schedule was accelerated in light of the changed geopolitical situation.

The total quantity of 29,550 NVGs resulting from the base contract and the first amendment is planned to be concluded in the 3rd quarter of 2024. The base contract, which had been signed by OCCAR in July 2021, included 4,500 night vision goggles for Belgium and 5,000 for Germany. The contractual obligations of the agreement have already been fulfilled.

In light of the signing of the base contract, HENSOLDT Optronics and THEON SENSORS had established a joint venture named HENSOLDT THEON NightVision GmbH in Wetzlar, Germany in June 2022. 

Following a transfer of technology from Athens to Wetzlar the production was increased swiftly. The combined production capacity of THEON’s headquarters in Athens and HENSOLDT THEON NightVision in Wetzlar facilitates large-scale production, which is crucial for delivering such quantities in a short time. 

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Belgium and Germany rely on THEON SENSORS SA’s MIKRON binocular night vision goggles with two 16 mm image intensifier tubes and an integrated infrared illuminator. The system can be hand-held or helmet-mounted, while each monocular can also be used separately. Further, each can be flipped up or sideways. MIKRON is powered by a single-type AA battery, but it can also be used in combination with an external power pack for even longer missions. 

The enhancement of night vision capabilities for both Programme Participating States is critical in providing advanced equipment for their dismounted, airmobile, and air assault soldiers as well as drivers of military vehicles. Recent conflicts underline the necessity of the capability of conducting missions at night. 

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