Photonis, a brand of Exosens and one of the world leaders in image intensifier tubes, has been selected for the second time to supply 40,000 4G 16 mm-type image intensifier tubes for Mikron night vision binoculars of Theon Sensors. The said systems are to be supplied to the German and Belgian Armed Forces.

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”. To date, a total of 16,325 Mikron night vision goggles have been delivered to Germany (11,775 units) and Belgium (4,550 units), and 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, while an option of 25,000 additional night vision goggles is included in this new contract.

Also read: OCCAR | Order to THEON SENSORS for additional Night Vision Goggles

According to the company, Photonis was the first brand to offer 4G 16mm image intensifier tubes and its technology is the most widely used by European Armed Forces.

Their 16 mm diameter, invented by Photonis, enables OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to make night vision devices lighter and more ergonomic for soldiers. Decreasing the load on a soldier is a constant challenge and subsequently, the reduction of SWaP (Size Weight, and Power) contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of the Armed Forces. Night vision devices that are designed around the 16 mm IIT offer the tremendous advantage of having the same level of performance as those based upon the 18 mm IIT, but with significantly reduced weight.

Further, Photonis 4G technology is the new standard for all European land forces. 4G, according to the company, has become Photonis’ top-performing product over the last 10 years and is today the benchmark in all major European Land Forces programs: Germany, Belgium, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland notably.

Except for these, their high-performance FOM (Figure Of Merit) and long DRI (Detection / Recognition / Identification) ranges give soldiers a considerable tactical advantage over their opponents in the most challenging light conditions. 

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 conditions. This will also boost interoperability and reduce the logistical footprint on the ground where both nations are deployed.

Also read: Eurosatory 2022 | HENSOLDT Optronics and THEON SENSORS establish new company