Estonia Receives First Batch Of New Night Vision Equipment
The Estonian military announced Wednesday that it had taken delivery of the first batch of new night vision devices it has on order.
The new night vision devices are Theon Sensors’ Argus FS MK2 night vision monoculars. According to the Center for Defense Investments (RKIK), Estonia’s defense procurement agency, the Argus FS MK2 is lighter, more light sensitive and has a higher resolution than the night vision systems currently in use with the Estonian military.
Lieutenant Colonel Riho Juurik, head of the logistics department at the Headquarters of the Estonian Defense Forces, said the delivery of the Argus FS MK2s was another step towards achieving a technological advantage over potential adversaries by allowing Estonian soldiers to operate more efficiently.
Sergeant Mario Nõlvak, staff officer of the Supply Battalion of the Estonian Defense Forces’ Support Command, said the Argus FS MK2s were a “clear improvement” over current Estonian night vision equipment, adding that Estonian troops using them would “definitely” be happy with the improvements.
According to RKIK Armaments Category head Ramil Lipp, the Argus FS MK2 beat 15 other night vision devices evaluated under the “very thorough” tender. He added that the system fully met the requirements set, with the speed of deliveries also exceeding the procurement agency’s expectations.
“Thank you to the National Defense Investment Center for trusting us and giving us the opportunity to prove ourselves,” said Vasileios Savvaidis, CEO of Theon Sensors. “We are proud to be able to deliver the promised quantities on time.”
The total order placed with the Greek firm will provide Argus FS MK2s for 10,000 soldiers across the Estonian Defense Forces and the Estonian Defense League. While the RKIK did not disclose the total cost of the order or when the purchase contract was signed, Theon Sensors announced in January that it had signed an €8 million contract for the Argus with an “European NATO member state and first-time customer” with “immediate” delivery days before the end of December 2023.