Senop Poised to Equip Finnish Defense Forces with Cutting-Edge Night Vision Gear
The Finnish Defence Forces aim to enhance its nocturnal combat capabilities by acquiring modern image intensifiers for personnel and portable multipurpose observation and surveillance systems for mortar teams. Antti Kaikkonen, the Minister of Defence of Finland, has granted permission to the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command to finalize a contract with Senop Oy for the acquisition of night vision technologies. This procurement follows a Letter of Intent that was signed on 22 May 2019, with Senop set to deliver these systems by the conclusion of 2021.
The agreement, valued at over 13 million euros, includes a 209 million euro option for subsequent years. This option encompasses image intensifiers, observation and surveillance systems, as well as laser targeting devices.
Senop’s new NVG is a compact and lightweight night vision tool (FDF: Night vision device M20), crafted specifically as a soldier’s personal night vision solution for challenging military conditions. The NVG employs cutting-edge aspheric and composite technologies, which facilitate superior performance while minimizing overall system weight.
Senop’s laser targeting devices (FDF: Tactical laser aiming device M20 and Soldier’s laser aiming device) are engineered to serve as a soldier’s weapon sight and a target designator for unit leaders. These laser devices are designed for seamless integration with existing FDF weaponry and can also be utilized with other weapon systems.
The Senop LILLY target acquisition device (FDF: Target acquisition device MPL21) is an extraordinarily lightweight apparatus offering versatile functionalities for target detection, monitoring, and various measuring tasks. LILLY is designed utilizing top-tier thermal imaging coupled with a direct view optical channel. This combination guarantees high performance at all times of day.
The new image intensifiers, laser targeting devices, and Senop LILLY sensor have been developed in close collaboration with the Finnish army. “The developmental process has necessitated rigorous field trials and environmental assessments to ensure the devices are user-friendly and withstand the rigors of intense military operations. I can proudly announce that the image intensifiers, laser aiming tools, and LILLY sensor have been tailored for infantry personnel with direct input from actual end users,” states Aki Korhonen, Managing Director of Senop.
Effective nocturnal combat capabilities demand comprehensive proficiency. Senop is crafting integrated solutions for interconnected military environments. For instance, Senop has previously supplied Senop VV3X night scopes, VVLite night vision tools, and LISA target acquisition systems (FDF: MPL15) to the Finnish Army. Each of these systems empowers operations during nighttime and in adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, these technologies are interconnected with advanced C2I systems to bolster situational awareness.
“Our mission is to assist clients in developing new capabilities by customizing solutions to their specific requirements. Our primary clients are military forces and soldiers. Our collaborative efforts with the Finnish Army demonstrate our company’s agility in meeting customer needs,” Aki Korhonen emphasizes. The development of the image intensifier and laser targeting devices progressed from concept to qualified product within a single year.
Senop’s Defence & Security portfolio encompasses high-performance image intensifiers, night scopes, advanced thermal weapon sights, handheld target acquisition and observational devices, vehicle camera systems, hyperspectral imaging solutions, and multipurpose container-based system platform technologies.
