Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions
Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliersThe Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) has signed a second contract amendment of an existing contract for MIKRON binocular night vision goggles and in-Service Support, on behalf of Belgium and Germany, with a Consortium consisting of HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH and THEON SENSORS S.A.
The increase in night vision capability 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 ability to conduct missions at night.
Belgium and Germany rely on MIKRON, a binocular night vision goggle with two 16 mm image intensifier tubes and an integrated infra-red illuminator.
The device was developed by market leader THEON SENSORS S.A. and can be used hand-held or helmet mounted. Both channels can be used separately or together. All channels can be flipped up or flipped side-ways individually.
MIKRON is powered by a single AA type battery but it can also be used in combination with an external power pack for even longer missions.
The newly signed second amendment, which was signed in Bonn, Germany, includes 3,500 night vision goggles for Belgium, as well as 16,041 night vision goggles and 8,423 Head Mounting Systems for Germany, the latter two are pending approval from German parliament, which the consortium expects to be received at the end of Q1 2024.
The contract also includes an option for up to 25,000 additional night vision goggles each for Belgium and Germany. Thus, both Participating States have the opportunity to buy additional quantities without further negotiations.
Christian Hadjminas, President of THEON said: “The award of this newly signed second amendment underscores that the two customer nations rely on the superior quality of the night vision goggle and the professional and reliable execution of the deliveries. The progress of the program with such an ambitious timetable is astonishing and is the result of efforts of all partners.”
In July 2022 a first contract amendment had been signed by OCCAR, executing an option of the supply of additional 20,000 MIKRON Night Vision Goggles to the German Armed Forces while at the same time 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 featured 4,500 night vision goggles for Belgium and 5,000 for Germany. This contract has been fulfilled already.
In light of the contract signature of the base contract, HENSOLDT optronics and THEON SENSORS founded 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.
