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Germany approves procurement of additional Mikron night vision goggles from Theon Sensors.
On November 19, 2024, the Cypriot company Theon Sensors announced that the German Parliament approved the exercise of the third option in the OCCAR Night Vision Capability Programme contract, authorizing the procurement of several thousand additional Mikron binocular night vision goggles (BNVG). This decision further expands the agreement managed by OCCAR since May 2020, aimed at equipping the Belgian and German Armed Forces with advanced night vision equipment to meet NATO Capability Target L1201 for individual combat capability.
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The Mikron binocular night vision goggles (BNVG), adaptable for handheld, helmet-mounted, or head-mounted use, are powered by a single AA battery with an operating time exceeding 24 hours, (Picture source: Theon Sensors)
The amendment to the contract is scheduled for signing on December 20, 2024, in Bonn, Germany, by the consortium Hensoldt Optronics GmbH and Theon Sensors SA. An additional option of similar size remains available for future procurement. The initial contract for the Production and In-Service Support of Mikron BNVG was signed in July 2021, with deliveries planned for Germany and Belgium. Following previous amendments in 2022 and 2024, the total contract now includes 49,550 Mikron goggles. Germany and Belgium have each secured options for an additional 25,000 units, along with accessories, follow-on in-service support, and spare parts. Belgium is set to receive its final batch of goggles by the third quarter of 2025, while Germany will complete deliveries by the fourth quarter of 2024.
The Mikron BNVG is a lightweight, dual-tube binocular system equipped with 16mm image intensifier tubes supplied by Exosens. It features independent operational channels, manual gain control, and an integrated infrared illuminator. The device is adaptable for handheld, helmet-mounted, or head-mounted use and is powered by a single AA battery with an operating time exceeding 24 hours, expandable with an external battery pack. These capabilities make the goggles suitable for dismounted soldiers, drivers of military vehicles, and air assault troops.
Theon Sensors, the manufacturer of the Mikron, has placed additional orders for image intensifier tubes from Exosens as part of a long-term frame agreement for 2025-2027. This procurement aligns with the company’s strategy to meet growing global demand and ensure uninterrupted production. The total value of new orders for 2024, including this third option, exceeds €510 million, with deliveries surpassing €340 million for the year. The company projects a year-end backlog of over €650 million, indicating sustained production levels through 2025 and 2026. Guidance for fiscal year 2025 will be released before the end of December 2024.
The NVC Programme’s shared procurement approach has facilitated interoperability and reduced logistical burdens for Belgium and Germany. The programme, which was integrated into OCCAR’s Small Programmes Division in March 2023, aims to establish a common basic night vision capability for both nations. The Mikron BNVG was selected through a Europe-wide competitive process as the most economically advantageous tender. The original contract covered 8,050 units for Belgium and 25,000 for Germany, along with associated accessories, training, and initial in-service support for five years.
In response to geopolitical shifts, the 2022 amendment added 20,000 goggles for Germany and accelerated delivery schedules. The 2024 amendment supplied 3,500 additional units for Belgium and extended initial support for Germany. These expansions reflect the programme's adaptability to evolving defense requirements while maintaining a cost-effective procurement structure.
Theon Sensors, established in 1997 and headquartered in Greece, operates production facilities in Athens, Wetzlar (Germany), and Plymouth (USA). The company has delivered over 180,000 night vision systems to 71 countries, including 26 NATO members. Through partnerships such as the joint venture Hensoldt Theon NightVision GmbH in Wetzlar, Theon supports large-scale production and rapid delivery schedules. The company’s international footprint and agreements with suppliers such as Exosens further enhance its capacity to meet increasing demand.
This development highlights the emphasis placed on night vision technology by the Belgian and German Armed Forces in achieving operational readiness during limited visibility. The cooperative framework under OCCAR ensures consistent capability upgrades and alignment with NATO objectives.