BAE Systems secures Australian thermal weapon sight contract
BAE Systems has secured a contract to supply a new targeting system for the Australian Army's new Carl Gustaf M3 weapons.
BAE Systems will provide more than 400 of its proven, uncooled AN/PAS-13C thermal weapon sights to equip the Army's crew-served Carl Gustaf shoulder-fired 84mm direct-fire weapons.
The sights can be used for both day and night operations, and in adverse conditions such as smoke and dust - enabling the user to track a round all the way to the target.
The sights also are self-contained and eliminate the need for cables and day/night mode switching, and can be readily used for surveillance off-weapon via a quick release mount, according to Ian Sharp, Director of BAE Systems Australia's Land Business Unit.
"They are a reliable, lightweight, and simple to use, combined imaging and sighting systems for all conditions. Users are able to rapidly convert to the new sight from the Carl Gustaf's current day-only sight," Mr Sharp said.
He said that the contract was another example of the company's ability to reach back to access the diverse capabilities of the global BAE Systems organisation, adapt them to a local requirement and support them with a comprehensive regional through life support solution.
"The sight is manufactured by our US-based Electronics, Intelligence & Support business. It is a proven military off-the-shelf (MOTS) advanced, uncooled thermal sensor, with more than 50,000 currently fielded on 12 weapon types operating across coalition forces.
"Our Australian team was able to contribute rapid and innovative engineering design to integrate the sight to the Carl Gustaf within just 90 days for program trials.
"The sight performed so well during trials on the Carl Gustaf launcher that it has now been adopted for other crew-served weapons in several other countries and has been fielded in theatre in Afghanistan through Urgent Operational Requirements," Mr Sharp said.
The contract is valued at AUD $16 million.
Source: BAE Systems
More from Land Warfare
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
