NIGHT VISION CAPABILITY (NVC)
In conditions of limited
visibility, night vision technology improves the ability of actors on the
battlefield to observe, move, and deliver effects. The Participating States of the
NVC Programme, Belgium and Germany, intend to achieve the required capabilities
in regard of the NATO Capability Target L1201 “Advanced Individual Combat
Capability” by securing the maximum benefits achievable through the pursuit of
common development, procurement and in-service support. This approach ensures a
common basic night vision capability of dismounted soldiers and drivers of
military vehicles. The common procurement of NVC equipment increases the
interoperability and decreases the logistic footprint in operational theatres
where both Nations are deployed together.
Since May 2020, the NVC
Programme manages the procurement of night vision goggles (NVGs) for Belgium
and Germany. In March 2023, the NVC Programme was integrated into the Small
Programmes Programme Division (SP PD).
For the placement of the NVGs contract,
OCCAR-EA followed a Competitive Negotiated Procedure, resulting in a
Europe-wide competition with a strong field of tenderers. Finally, the Most
Economically Advantageous Tender, the NVG MIKRON from the consortium Hensoldt
Optronics GmbH – Theon Sensors SA, was selected for Contract Award, with contract
signature on 22 June 2021.
On 05 July 2022, a contract
amendment to the NVGs contract was signed. This amendment activated an option
of additional 20,000 MIKRON NVG Sets for the German Armed Forces while at the
same time accelerating the delivery schedules for both Nations in light of the
changed geopolitical situation.
A second contract amendment to
the NVGs contract was signed on 26 January 2024. This amendment includes the
supply of additional 3,500 MIKRON NVG Sets to the Belgian Armed Forces and initial
In-Service Support for the German NVG Sets.
In total, the contract now covers
the acquisition of 8,050 MIKRON NVG Sets for Belgium and 25,000 MIKRON NVG Sets
for Germany. Furthermore, it includes the provision of Initial Spare Parts,
training, documentation, 1,789 Head Mounting Systems for Germany and initial
In-Service Support (ISS) of five years for Belgium and Germany. The contract
also secures inter alia firm prices for options that cover follow-on ISS, additional
deliveries of NVG Sets as well as accessories for both Nations.
Delivery of the final batch for
Belgium is planned for the third quarter of 2025, while Germany will receive
the last NVG sets in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Night Vision Capability Participating States
For further information about the NVC Programme, please contact the Programme Division or the Contractor (consortium Hensoldt Optronics GmbH-Theon Sensors SA).