Photonis Defense has secured an order from the US Army for 1,600 Binocular Night Observation Device systems as the service advances its effort to field a more affordable helmet-mounted night-vision capability.The BiNOD program is focused on developing, testing, and producing binocular equipment that amplifies available light, enabling soldiers to observe and operate more effectively in dark environments.The first systems are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026, with the largest portion of the order scheduled for delivery in 2027.The purchase is being made under a March 2026 contract with a maximum potential value of $352.6 million. However, the value of the latest order has not been disclosed.The award moves BiNOD from development and qualification into Low-Rate Initial Production. This stage allows the Army and manufacturer to evaluate production processes and system performance before potentially moving to larger-scale manufacturing.Photonis Defense will assemble and test the complete devices at its US facility. Image-intensifier tubes will be supplied by its French parent company, Exosens.Exosens Expands Imaging BusinessThe BiNOD order comes as Exosens expands its wider imaging and infrared technology activities. The company recently announced plans to significantly increase thermal-camera production capacity to meet growing demand for compact imaging systems used on drones and counter-drone platforms.In June, Lithuanian sensor company BROLIS selected Exosens to provide 17,000 image-intensifier tubes for night-vision systems ordered by the Czech Armed Forces. These tubes work by amplifying available light to create usable images under low-light conditions.Exosens has also joined the four-year SPIRIT project under the European Defence Fund. The €39 million initiative seeks to improve infrared detector sensitivity, resolution, and onboard processing while strengthening Europe’s supply chain for semiconductor components, detector manufacturing, and camera integration.The BiNOD contract therefore represents another significant opportunity for Exosens to expand its role in military night-vision and infrared imaging markets.
