New Estonian night vision devices to help against “significantly” larger enemy
Estonia has ordered thousands of Argus FS MK2 night vision devices. (Photo: Estonian Centre for Defence Investments)
Argus is a family of Mil-Spec I2 multipurpose monocular systems that can be operated handheld or head-, helmet- or weapon-mounted.
The Estonian Defence Forces has begun to receive Theon Sensors’ Argus (Fail Safe) FS MK2 night vision devices in an effort to provide a tactical advantage against what is described as “an enemy [which] significantly outnumbers” Estonian forces.
The Argus systems, manufactured by the Greek company which was selected from among 16 bidders, were delivered to the forces by the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI).
Lt Col Riho Juurik, head of the logistics department at the headquarters of Estonian Defence Forces, said: “Considering our enemy is known to significantly outnumber us, we must seek our advantage in other areas, such as superior training, higher situational awareness, and, of course, a technological edge.”
The system was described in a statement announcing the start of deliveries as “a significant progression in conducting operations under limited lighting”.
“Its reduced weight and improved night vision capabilities are qualities our national defenders will certainly welcome.” the statement continued.
The devices will equip approximately 10,000 soldiers.
Shephard Defence Insight noted there were two versions available: Argus LW (Light Weight) and Argus FS (Fail Safe with 100% shut off mechanism). The systems have have 4+2° of adjustment and both versions are offered with or without manual gain control.
Head and helmet mounts support ambidextrous operation and feature a quick-release dovetail mechanism, collimated LoS, randomly bridged to dual binocular configuration and optional long-range laser illuminator.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Estonia receives first deliveries of new CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer]()
Estonia receives first deliveries of new CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) signed contracts in June 2024 to acquire 12 CAESAR (CAmion Equipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie) wheeled self-propelled howitzers (SPH). The contract also includes the option to purchase additional howitzers.
-
![Latvia signs for ASCOD IFVs]()
Latvia signs for ASCOD IFVs
Latvia entered negotiations with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the purchase of Austrian Spanish Cooperative Development (ASCOD) tracked combat vehicles in November last year.
-
![Thales adds DigitalCrew to panoramic gimbal for new generation tracking and identification]()
Thales adds DigitalCrew to panoramic gimbal for new generation tracking and identification
Thales Panoramic Above Armour Gimbal (PAAG) is in service as a mast mounted system on German Boxer Joint Fire Support Teams (Heavy) armoured vehicles. DigitalCrew has been designed to take full advantage of PAAG’s six sensors.
-
![Manufacture of CTAI 40mm cannon prepares to ramp up with 700 already delivered]()
Manufacture of CTAI 40mm cannon prepares to ramp up with 700 already delivered
Production of 40 CTAS cannon for 60 Belgian Jaguar 6x6 will begin this year and Luxembourg is set to make a similar order.
-
![Extra punch to be added to THeMIS UGV as production set to increase]()
Extra punch to be added to THeMIS UGV as production set to increase
Milrem Robotics is looking to improve the lethality of its Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV), ramp up production and add an integration with uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
-
![Trump orders the fast implementation of next-gen air and missile defence capabilities]()
Trump orders the fast implementation of next-gen air and missile defence capabilities
The US government has ordered the acceleration of the development and deployment of solutions to counter ballistic, hypersonic and advanced cruise missiles.
