Exosens Secures Largest Ever Contract for Next-Generation Night Vision Technology
Merignac, Monday, 12 January 2026.
Supplying over 7,000 units, this deal equips European Special Forces with technology boosting detection ranges by 35 percent, marking a pivotal advancement in defense capabilities.
Strategic Defense Partnership
On January 12, 2026, Exosens (Euronext Paris: EXENS) solidified its standing in the defense photonics sector by announcing a contract for more than 7,000 of its latest 5G image intensifier tubes [1]. This agreement with ACTinBlack Group, a prominent European manufacturer of night vision systems, represents the largest order to date for Exosens’ newly released 5G technology [1][2]. The components are slated for integration into night vision binoculars destined for European Special Forces, with a delivery timeline scheduled to span 2027 and 2028 [1][2].
Operational Impact and Timeline
This collaboration underscores the rapid adoption of Exosens’ 5G technology, which was officially launched only a few months prior to this agreement [1]. As a strategic supplier to NATO for night vision technologies, Exosens aims to support long-term operational programs that demand high reliability and industrial continuity [2]. ACTinBlack, headquartered in Luxembourg with a subsidiary in Fort Worth, Texas, has now positioned itself as the primary customer for these advanced optical components [1][2].
A Leap in Optical Performance
The technical specifications of the 5G tubes mark a substantial upgrade over current standard intensifier tubes. According to Frédéric Guilhem, Exosens’ Executive General Manager of Night Vision, the new technology delivers a 30 percent improvement in the Figure of Merit (FOM), a critical metric for overall performance [1]. Furthermore, the tubes provide an increase of up to 35 percent in detection ranges [1]. Crucially, these performance enhancements are maintained across all night levels, from 1 to 5, ensuring consistent operational capability in varying low-light conditions [1][2].
Corporate Footprint
This deal not only reinforces the operational capabilities of European defense forces but also highlights Exosens’ robust industrial footprint. With over 85 years of experience in electro-optical technologies, the company employs more than 2,000 people across 12 sites in Europe and North America [1]. Exosens is listed on Euronext Paris and is included in the Euronext Tech Leaders segment, reflecting its significant role in the high-tech manufacturing landscape [1].