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SOFINS 2025: IRONSNAKE New Thermal Sight From Safran That Transforms Assault Rifle Capabilities.
At the SOFINS 2025 exhibition, held at Camp de Souge near Bordeaux, Safran Defense & Space Inc. officially presents its new fused thermal reflex sight, named IRONSNAKE. Developed in France in collaboration with BERTIN Technologies, this system is intended to provide armed forces with a compact and efficient tool adapted to demanding operational environments. The IRONSNAKE sight is designed for 5.56 mm assault rifles and 7.62 mm machine guns and incorporates advanced optical and thermal technologies.
The system becomes operational in under 1.5 seconds and offers a battery life of over 10 hours in infrared mode and up to 1000 hours in red dot mode (Picture source: Army Recognition )
IRONSNAKE combines a direct optical channel, enabling immediate target acquisition, with an uncooled thermal channel capable of detecting threats invisible to the naked eye, especially in low-visibility or nighttime conditions. It also features a configurable digital reticle, offering flexibility to adapt to mission-specific needs and engagement contexts. This fusion of optical and thermal technologies allows the user to identify and engage targets both day and night, without the need to switch systems or add external modules.
The system becomes operational in under 1.5 seconds and offers a battery life of over 10 hours in infrared mode and up to 1000 hours in red dot mode. It is also compatible with auxiliary optical equipment such as night vision goggles and magnifiers. Beyond improving reflex shooting accuracy, IRONSNAKE provides a camouflage-breaking capability, contributing to information superiority on the battlefield.
Thanks to a carefully designed ergonomic layout and minimal footprint, IRONSNAKE integrates easily with individual weapons without affecting handling. It combines the features of a conventional day sight with the benefits of an autonomous thermal sensor while meeting requirements for lightweight and rugged systems used in modern operations. Its development stems from close collaboration between Safran and BERTIN Technologies, two French firms known for their expertise in sensors, optics, and display solutions for military applications.
The unveiling of IRONSNAKE at SOFINS 2025 reflects Safran’s intention to strengthen its position in the high-performance targeting optics segment, at a time when armed forces are increasingly seeking multifunctional day/night vision equipment. This type of compact, dual-function device may appeal to a broad range of users, from special forces to conventional infantry units, in the context of widespread modernization of soldier systems. Its small size and integrated functionality could also make it an appealing option for export markets, particularly in regions facing asymmetric conflicts or irregular threats.
With this development, Safran continues its work in advanced optronic technologies for military applications. IRONSNAKE is part of a broader trend toward more sophisticated sighting systems that address both the tactical demands of close combat and the need for discreet detection. Its presentation at SOFINS 2025 represents a significant step toward the potential adoption of this type of system within French and international armed forces, as the demand for compact, autonomous, and multifunctional equipment continues to rise in contemporary operational theatres.