Germany places record order for laser light modules
LLM-VarioRay laser light module. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Framework contract for Rheinmetall could see delivery of up to 130,000 LLM-VarioRay laser light modules by the late 2020s.
Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics is to provide the German Armed Forces with up to €178 million ($210 million) worth of LLM-VarioRay laser light modules under a framework contract with an initial seven-year term.
The company noted in a 21 July announcement that this is its largest order for laser light modules.
The first batch of 2,460 devices will cost €3 million, with deliveries beginning in 2021. The German Armed Forces will initially take delivery of 360 devices ‘earmarked for integrated verification management’, Rheinmetall stated. ‘These will be followed by the remaining 2,100 laser light modules now on order.’
The LLM-VarioRay product family already forms part of the Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-EZ) for the German Army. It is also in service with the British Army as the Laser Light Module MK3, and with the Swiss Army as the Laser-Licht-Modul 19. Intended primarily for small arms carried by infantry and other soldiers who fight on foot, the lightweight (250g) LLM-VarioRay is used for detecting, identifying and marking targets.
It is particularly useful for night combat, with features such as a white-light lamp, red-light laser marker, IR laser marker and IR illuminator. The light source can be selected with a rotary switch and is infinitely adjustable. The device has a fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block, enabling easy adjustment and alignment of the aiming device and weapon.
LLM-VarioRay can be mounted via a standard interface onto all assault rifles, submachine guns, machine guns and sniper rifles with a MIL-STD 1913 rail/STANAG 4694 and operated via a trigger cable.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems]()
Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems
New agreement between Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV signals deepening cooperation on land systems, with potential focus on counter-UAS and mobile air defence solutions.
-
![Company formed to lead Franco-German main battle tank replacement]()
Company formed to lead Franco-German main battle tank replacement
Launched at the initiative of the French and German governments, the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project aims to replace the German Leopard 2 and French Leclerc main battle tanks with a multi-platform ground combat system by 2040.
-
![British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system]()
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
-
![US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco]()
US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco
The 600-missiles will be used to expand the Moroccan armed forces’ short range air defence capabilities.
-
![Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland]()
Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland
The joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group will see them locally produce CGR80 missiles for the Homar-K multiple rocket launch system, with the first batch produced by 2028.
-
![BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production]()
BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production
The M777 155mm lightweight howitzer is in service with more than six countries and has been heavily used in Ukraine. The latest contract is part of an effort to restart the manufacture of M777 towed howitzers.
