The Theon-Hensoldt consortium has secured a landmark €1-billion contract from OCCAR to deliver roughly 104,000 additional Mikron night vision goggles to Germany and Belgium, marking the largest single NVG procurement ever undertaken by a European NATO member. The order includes approximately 100,000 systems for Germany and 4,000 for Belgium, building on earlier OCCAR contracts that already supplied 66,000 units to Germany and 8,000 to Belgium. Under the wider multinational framework, total deliveries will exceed 178,000 goggles by 2030, substantially boosting nighttime operational effectiveness. The Mikron-D features a dual-tube binocular configuration that enhances depth perception, motion awareness, and distance judgment compared to single-tube systems, particularly during driving and maneuvering. The system incorporates 16-mm image intensifier tubes produced by French supplier Exosens, which will deliver more than 200,000 tubes for Germany alone, valued at roughly €500 million, plus an additional 8,000 tubes for Belgium. Designed for special operations and frontline forces, each monocular can be independently flipped up, allowing rapid adaptation to mission needs. When stowed, the goggles closely follow helmet contours to reduce soldier silhouette, minimize neck strain, and lower the risk of impact damage. Power is supplied by a single AA battery, with an optional rear-mounted battery pack extending endurance during prolonged operations.
