Germany and Belgium will significantly expand their night-fighting capabilities following the award of a €1-billion contract to the Theon–Hensoldt consortium for additional Mikron night vision goggles. Managed by OCCAR, the contract calls for the delivery of approximately 100,000 NVGs to Germany and 4,000 to Belgium, marking a record-breaking night vision procurement within European NATO forces.
The award follows previous OCCAR orders for 66,000 night vision systems for Germany and 8,000 for Belgium, with the majority of those devices already fielded. Combined with the new contract, total deliveries under the program are expected to reach more than 178,000 NVGs by 2030, substantially enhancing nighttime operational readiness across both armed forces.
The Mikron systems will incorporate advanced 16 mm image intensifier tubes produced by France-based Exosens. To meet the requirements of the German order, Exosens will supply more than 200,000 tubes under a contract valued at around €500 million, while Belgium’s requirement will be supported by approximately 8,000 tubes.
Designed for high-mobility and special operations units, the dual-tube Mikron NVGs provide superior depth perception and situational awareness compared to single-tube devices. Each monocular can be independently articulated, allowing rapid adaptation to mission needs. Powered by a single AA battery or an optional rear-mounted battery pack, the system minimizes helmet bulk and neck fatigue while extending operational endurance in demanding combat environments.
