NATO nations are procuring several state-of-the-art night vision systems to provide their infantry forces with a tactical advantage for night fighting.
For millennia, the dark of night provided sufficient cover for armed forces to advance or redeploy undetected. That all changed with the introduction of night vision systems (NVSs). The first infrared (IR) scopes for surveillance and targeting were introduced during World War II, but these systems were cumbersome. Man-portable night vision goggles (NVGs), which amplify ambient light became operational in the 1960s and were deployed by the Army during the Vietnam War. Today, such systems have become standard issue to ground forces around the world. Modern NVSs can work on the basis of thermal imaging (TI) or image intensification (I2).
By contrast, I2 systems require at least some ambient light to function – starlight and near-infrared (NIR) light are sufficient. Ambient light photons are collected through the device’s objective lens and channelled into the intensifier tube, where they strike a photo-cathode and are converted into electrons; these are amplified by a micro-channel plate and directed onto a phosphor screen, where they form a visible image. If green phosphorus is used, a green monochrome image is produced. White phosphorus produces a grayscale image.
Alongside TI and I2, more recently, ‘fusion’ night vision has become available, which applies algorithms to overlay and merge thermal and I2 data into a single digital image, providing greater clarity and detail.
NVS configurations can be monocular or binocular, hand-held or helmet mounted (tripod- and weapon-mounted devices are also common, but are beyond the focus of this article). At present, there are a number of key NVS procurement programmes being carried out by NATO members.
United States
The US Army and the US Marine Corps (USMC) are acquiring three modern NVSs.
ENVG-B
The Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B) entered service with the US Army in 2019 under the designation AN/PSQ-42. It combines several technologies and capabilities in one instrument, including third-generation white phosphor-based I2, a 40° TI field of view (FoV), image fusion, as well as a 3× zoom capability, and augmented reality capabilities, including an integrated heads-up display (HUD). According to Army figures, the system has a minimum 80% chance of detecting a man-size target at 150 m and a 50% chance at 300 m, outperforming legacy NVGs.
Additionally, the L3Harris Smart Battery Pack provides the goggles with power, but also acts as the conduit for wireless communications. This permits the device to receive real-time video including full-colour map overlays for situational awareness. The wireless connection can also transmit the image from the zeroed weapon sight reticle and the FWS-I (Family of Weapons Systems – Individual) thermal sight to the goggles; this permits the soldier to remain under cover while exposing only the weapon for rapid target acquisition. Due to this combination of attributes, the ENVG-B is considered the most advanced set of goggles ever fielded by US ground forces.
SBNVG
The US MC’s Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG) incorporates fewer features than the ENVG-B, but is a significant improvement over the Corps’ legacy AN/PVS-14 monocular NVS, providing increased depth perception and improved clarity. The lightweight SBNVG can be hand held or clipped to a helmet. It incorporates white-phosphorus based I2 as well as TI capability, and has an integrated IR illuminator. The latter is analogous to a flashlight, albeit shining a beam of IR light which is visible only through the night vision device. This permits the user to see in tunnels or other enclosed spaces without any ambient light. When not in use, the helmet mounted NVG can fold upward like most such devices. Unlike most NVGs, it can also fold to the side of the helmet. The Marines specifically required this option to facilitate operations in low-ceiling environments.
The USMC awarded Elbit Systems of America an IDIQ contract in 2019 with the first infantry units equipped in 2020. In December 2023, Elbit received another five-year ID/IQ contract for continued SBNVG deliveries, with a potential total value of USD 500 million.
IVAS
The third US acquisition programme, the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), has been troubled nearly since its inception. Initiated by the Army in 2018, the programme seeks to introduce a multi-capability device based on the Microsoft Hololens augmented reality/mixed reality (AR/MR) headset. A five-year development and evaluation contract was issued to Microsoft in 2021 with the goal to enhance soldier situational awareness and decision-making under all operational conditions. The system consists of a visor-like HUD, a body-worn computer known as the ‘puck’ and a networked data radio. The HUD combines direct view day vision, I2 and TI capability, with augmented reality supported by situational awareness software. The puck and radio enable wireless connectivity between the HUD and a weapon-mounted digital sight, permitting soldiers to peer or even aim and fire around corners without exposing their heads.
On 22 January 2025, the Army Contracting Command issued a new Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) Next request, “seeking information from industry regarding capabilities to develop and manufacture the IVAS Next system” with a response deadline of 26 February 2025. While the Request for Information (RFI) was explicitly “issued solely for information and planning purposes” and “does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future”, it has fuelled speculation that the service would re-compete the programme rather than continue with the current devices.
On 11 February 2025 Microsoft and Anduril Industries announced that the latter company would assume control over the current IVAS program, pending DoD approval. Specifically, Anduril will assume oversight of production, future development of hardware and software, and delivery timelines. As part of the “advanced partnership agreement,” Microsoft will continue to support the program through AI development, and Anduril will use Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure for all workloads related to IVAS. Anduril is not completely new to the IVAS program. In September 2024 the firms collaborated to integrate Anduril’s Lattice software onto IVAS 1.1 and 1.2 devices; the software improved collation of sensor input from numerous external sources, enhancing threat detection and situational awareness for the IVAS operator. Anduril replacing Microsoft as project leader is considered the best option for salvaging the current program and preventing further delays in fielding.
Europe
Various European armed forces are also procuring sophisticated NVSs.
Mikron-D
The intergovernmental European procurement agency Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) is acquiring the Mikron-D NVS for the armed forces of Belgium and Germany. The joint procurement and service contract is being fulfilled by Cyprus-based Theon International in consortium with Germany’s Hensoldt Optronics GmbH. Nearly 50,000 units have been procured since the signing of the original contract award in 2021, with roughly 80% going to the German Bundeswehr. In December 2024, OCCAR issued a contract amendment which will provide an additional 25,000 units for the Bundeswehr. A final option for approximately 25,000 more units still remains to be exercised.
German airborne troops have praised the comfortable and secure fit as well as the integrity of the helmet-mounted system during jumps. The device includes an integrated IR illuminator for operations in complete darkness. It can operate helmet-mounted, head-mounted or hand-held and gain can be adjusted automatically or manually. The binoculars can attach to a wide variety of helmet types, as well as to visual augmentation system (VAS) shrouds. Each tube can be individually flipped away, permitting the soldier to continue using a monocular NVS while retaining night vision with the other eye and avoid being blinded by sudden flashes. When both tubes are flipped up, the system aligns closely with the helmet’s contours, reducing silhouette and minimising the risk of damage. The device accepts a single AA battery which powers up to 24 hours of service; it can optionally be connected to an external battery pack mounted at the back of the helmet for longer endurance.
JIM Compact
Germany is also procuring hand-held infrared multifunctional binoculars from Safran Electronics & Defense Germany, which announced an order for the Jumelle infrarouge multifonction (JIM) Compact binoculars on 20 January 2025. The binoculars are provided with three channels: cooled medium-wave infrared (MWIR), a low-light camera, and high-definition (HD) day TV camera. The binoculars weigh under 2 kg, and are powered by a rechargeable COTS battery providing 4 h of endurance, which can be increased to 6 h with an alternate power pack.
The capabilities profile includes up to 4× zoom, day and night see-spot function, real time photo/video recording and streaming, image fusion mode, image stabilisation, and new specific mission packages for long-range fires, sniper support, close air support and artillery spotting roles. The embedded laser rangefinder and pointer can locate targets at 12,000 m and mark/hand over targets at 2,500 m distance. Target coordinates can be identified and transmitted even under GPS/GNSS-denied conditions. NATO-standard connectivity includes multiple interfaces including USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet for data exchange with other devices.
BPS14 and Brolis Twins
The Lithuanian firm Brolis Defence produces various optical systems including the Brolis Personal System 14 (BPS14) monocular and the Brolis Twins binocular NVSs. Both devices are based on I2 tubes, and have similar performance parameters, albeit the binocular achieves a wider field of view. An IR illuminator is optionally available to permit visibility in complete darkness. Like many I2 NVSs, the BPS14 and Brolis Twins feature auto-gating and automatic power cut-off when exposed to high-intensity light. Auto-gating rapidly switches the voltage feed to the image intensifier tube on and off, adjusting the amount of light reaching the intensifier. This ensures consistent image clarity despite fluctuating light levels, and protects the I2 tube from damage caused by sudden bright light. The battery permits up to 50 h of continuous use. As with other I2 devices, the Brolis BPS14 and Twins enable the wearer to see near-IR laser beams projected by various devices such as targeting or pointing systems.
In 2024, the Lithuanian Armed Forces ordered approximately EUR 17 million of equipment for night fighting, which includes the BPS14 monocular and Brolis’ LP5X laser aiming device, with deliveries slated to run through 2025. The BPS14 is also in service with Ukraine’s armed forces.
XACT nv33
The British Army introduced the AN/PVS-14 monocular into service in 2008, where it was known as the Helmet-Mounted Night Vision System (HMNVS). While the HMNVS remains in service for the time being, it is being supplemented by the newer XACT nv33.
In 2021, under a USD 16 million contract, the British armed forces began procuring the helmet-mounted binocular XACT nv33, produced by Elbit Systems UK through its subsidiary Instro Precision Ltd. Follow-up orders were awarded in November 2022 (worth USD 19 million) and October 2024 (worth USD 19.9 million). The XACT nv33, which is also in use with several other armed forces, is a compact device weighing 450 g. The NVGs are suitable for dismounted operations as well as driving under blackout conditions, parachute operations, or diving to a depth of 25 m. An integrated IR illuminator permits operations in the absence of residual light. A single AA battery enables 20 hours of operation. The device features hands-free activation or shut-off via specific head-tilt motions, permitting soldiers to maintain a secure grip on their weapon or other equipment.
Expectations
As technology develops, more attributes become mainstream, leading to ever increasing expectations for the next-generation systems. Data overlays, augmented reality, and networking with external sensors – including weapon-mounted scopes, IR systems and laser-targeting capability – are rapidly becoming the norm for higher-performance NVSs. Future NVSs will be expected to produce high-resolution images under all light conditions, and provide even greater situational awareness through wider fields of view, sensor fusion, as well as more sophisticated HUD-like data displays and augmented reality features, such as blue-force tracking and the ability for soldiers to ‘mark’ detected hostile positions on their own display and feed that data to nearby friendly forces. Increased networking bandwidth, speed, and hardening against electronic warfare (EW) will be essential for these to reach their potential on the networked battlefield. Automation features, such as automatic target/threat detection functions, for instance for spotting UAVs, will also be increase survivability on the future battlefield.
Frequent current complaints focus on size and weight of head- or helmet-mounted NVSs. Prolonged wear leads to neck strain, with the risk of chronic injury with extended use. Head mobility and overall agility can both suffer from the weight, the narrow field of view (40° to 60° in most cases) and the unnatural visual display. To overcome these issues, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiated the Enhanced Night Vision in Eyeglass Form (ENVision) programme. As the agency stated in January 2022: “ENVision seeks to leverage recent advances in planar optics and transduction materials to develop NV systems that don’t require bulky image intensifiers, provide wider FOV, offer enhanced visual access across infrared bands, and are lightweight to reduce neck strain caused by today’s technology.”
The goal is to enable development of advanced NVGs to the size and weight of regular eyeglasses. Ten industry and university research teams were selected in January 2022 to develop the scientific and technical means necessary to realise this goal. Specifically, one team was tasked with developing multi-band, wide-FOV planar optics and planar image intensifiers to demonstrate advanced NVS imposing near-zero torque on the wearer’s neck; the other was to explore new methods to amplify photonic up-conversion processes from any infrared band to visible light to enable future ‘intensifier-free’ NVSs. To date, DARPA has not announced progress or further pursuit of the programme, but the ultimate goal of miniaturising NVS components to enhance comfort and mobility remains valid.
Sidney E. Dean