Thales has announced that it will co-develop the ELFIE Night Vision Device (NVD) for the Indian armed forces with MKU.
The work will be conducted within the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the companies in 2018 for strategic co-operation on developing optronic devices.
ELFIE is a lightweight monocular with a wide field of view and night combat capability. It can be used hands-free on a face mask or helmet mount, or weapon-mounted, for left or right eye use. It provides stereoscopic vision in binocular configuration.
The system is designed for vehicle-driving, paratroopers and special forces operators. When mounted on a weapon, it provides a red dot sight or laser pointer to the user.
The device will be developed at MKU’s facility in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, with the integration of the first pre-series expected to be complete in the first third of 2020. It will be available from 2021.
Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice president – international development, Thales, said: ‘We are enthusiastic about taking our strategic association forward with MKU with the co-development of ELFIE.
‘Coming up in the defence industrial corridor of Uttar Pradesh, this versatile night vision device will be offered to the armed forces in India as well as across the world. Together with MKU, we look forward to strengthening the industrial ecosystem while also contributing towards job creation in the country.’
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