Army Technology

OCCAR-EA to sign off on night vision goggles for Germany and Belgium

A second amendment has been signed to a night vision goggle contract for up to 3,500 new pairs.

The Director of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR-EA) signed a second amendment to the Night Vision Goggles (NVG) Contract with the consortium of Hensoldt Optronics GmbH and THEON Sensors SA on 26 January 2024, facilitating the additional procurement of Night Vision Goggles and In-Service Support for Belgium and Germany.

The MIKRON NVG is a lightweight, image-intensified, dual-tube binocular, with the capability of being head or helmet-mounted, or being held by hand. Notably, it features an integrated infrared illuminator and allows for quick configuration adjustments, as each monocular can be flipped away individually. The device operates on a single AA battery but can also be used with a remote battery pack for extended use.

Belgium and Germany have so far received significant deliveries of MIKRON Night Vision Goggles under this program, with 4,550 sets for Belgium and 11,775 sets for Germany. The newly signed amendment, known as NVG Contract Amendment No. 2, adds a further 3,500 MIKRON NVG Sets for Belgium. It also introduces initial In-Service Support for Germany and revises the existing In-Service Support for Belgium.

The goal of the NVC programme is to enhance the night vision capabilities of dismounted soldiers and drivers of military vehicles in both Belgium and Germany, according to a release from OCCAR-EA. The release goes on to state that German and Belgian representatives praised OCCAR-EA’s leadership on the management of the programme, and the level of cooperation between the two nations. The joint procurement of these NVGs aims to increase interoperability between the two nations and reduce logistical challenges in operational theatres where their forces are co-deployed.

The new amendment includes an option for up to 16,041 additional NVG sets for Germany and as many as 25,000 additional sets for either Belgium, Germany, or both. The contract includes an additional 8,423 Head Mounting Systems for Germany, along with initial and follow-on In-Service Support for these additional NVG sets.