Thales to supply Sophie XF to German armed forces
Thales will manufacture and supply ten sets of Sophie XF Type long-range cooled thermal imagers to the German armed forces under a new agreement announced on 25 February. The contract was awarded by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), with delivery expected during the autumn of 2013.
Sophie XF is designed to complement around 100 previous systems used by the German armed forces. The hand-held, multi-functional thermal imaging device features laser range finder, daylight camera and position sensor (GPS receiver and digital compass). The continuous optical zoom makes the high optical performance capability very easy to utilise. The system also features a distinctive multitude of measurement and recording options, low-weight, longer-life batteries and reduced noise generation.
According to the company, the German armed forces will use this long-range imager for surveillance, target acquisition and identification and determining the coordinates of these targets at night and in adverse visibility conditions. The order also includes logistical support, documentation and training.
Holger Brandt, vice president Defence & Security Systems, Thales Deutschland, said: ‘We are delighted with this follow-up procurement order, which will provide the user with an innovative, user-friendly device with a wide range of applications.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS]()
US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS
The US Army plans to procure a Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) to replace the Textron Systems RQ-7Bv2 Shadow tactical UAV currently in service with the US Army's Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). The FTUAS is being developed under the wider Future UAS (FUAS) programme.
-
![British Army’s Challenger 3 undertakes qualification firings in Germany]()
British Army’s Challenger 3 undertakes qualification firings in Germany
The Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT), which will be delivered to the British Army by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) under an £800 million (US$1 billion) contract, will stay in service beyond 2040.
-
![Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal]()
Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal
Air 6500 Phase 1, worth AU$500 million (US$326 million), will result in a sovereign system that can provide greater situational awareness and help to defend against hostile aircraft and missiles. It will sit at the core of Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence programme.
-
![Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million]()
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
![Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans]()
Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans
The Russia–Ukraine war has continued to be the place the world’s militaries have been watching for lessons on both the EW and uncrewed front. Its conventional war aspect, however, has also been catching the attention of leaders.
-
![The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions]()
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
