Photonis Defense has secured an order from the US Army to manufacture 1,600 Binocular Night Observation Device systems as the service advances its next-generation night-vision equipment program.The BiNOD initiative focuses on developing a more affordable binocular night-observation system that can be mounted on a soldier’s helmet. The equipment uses image intensification technology to amplify available light and improve visibility in dark conditions.The first units are expected to reach the Army by the end of 2026, while the majority of the order is planned for delivery during 2027.The procurement is being placed under a contract issued in March 2026 with a maximum value of $352.6 million. The specific value of the latest order has not been released.The award represents a transition from development and qualification toward Low-Rate Initial Production. At this stage, a limited number of devices are manufactured to confirm production processes before a potential larger procurement.Photonis Defense will assemble and test the complete systems at its US facility. The image intensifier tubes used inside the devices will be supplied by its French parent company, Exosens.The BiNOD program comes as Exosens continues expanding its optical and infrared technology business. The company recently announced plans to significantly increase thermal-camera production capacity in response to growing demand for compact imaging equipment used on unmanned aircraft and counter-drone platforms.Exosens has also been selected by Lithuanian sensor manufacturer BROLIS to supply 17,000 image-intensifier tubes for night-vision equipment ordered by the Czech military.In addition, Exosens is participating in the four-year SPIRIT program under the European Defence Fund. The €39 million initiative is focused on improving infrared detector sensitivity, resolution, and onboard processing while developing a stronger European supply chain for semiconductor and imaging technologies.The BiNOD order therefore represents both a new Army capability and another expansion opportunity for Exosens’ night-vision manufacturing ecosystem.
