THALES XTRAIM for the Future Soldier

RHEINMETALL, the „Infanterist der Zukunft“ (IdZ/Future Soldier) project’s general contractor, has awarded THALES a contract to supply optronic systems in the mid-four-digit range—including units of its proven and commercially available XTRAIM reflex sight, as well as the latest-generation night vision systems, which account for the majority of the contracted delivery. These systems can display augmented reality information and provide outstanding tactical situational awareness. Thales will provide support services for the systems in Germany, thereby ensuring close customer support throughout the entire operational lifecycle. Under the 2026 contract, THALES will supply optronic systems in the mid-four-digit range—including units of its battle-proven and commercially available XTRAIM, as well as next-generation night vision systems, which will account for the majority of the contracted delivery. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027; production will then scale up to several hundred systems per month.

XTRAIM is a day/night vision device that combines a reflex sight with thermal imaging technology. It enables rapid and precise target acquisition and engagement under all visibility conditions while reducing the burden on soldiers caused by the equipment they carry. Developed to meet the demands of intense combat, approximately 20,000 units have been sold to armed forces worldwide to date.

Building on the success of the NightRise family of night vision binoculars from THALES, the new system is designed to increase soldiers’ survivability by providing a significantly better understanding of the tactical situation. With its open architecture, the system facilitates interoperability and seamless integration with existing military equipment. It thus forms the core of the Optronic Soldier System. The Bundeswehr will be the first customer to deploy Thales’ new night vision system. The new night vision system, which combines image intensification and thermal imaging technology, was developed in close collaboration with the defense industry and its potential users. It marks the launch of a new product line of optronics solutions for the “Augmented Soldier” and incorporates the latest advancements in augmented reality. ALL INFO on the XTRAIM.

THALES online

“THALES is proud to work with RHEINMETALL to contribute to the safety and operational effectiveness of German soldiers—with advanced and proven mission solutions. These systems pave the way for future modernization opportunities within the framework of the IdZ-ES program. XTRAIM and our new night vision system will enhance combat capabilities day and night, facilitate faster decision-making, and increase system interoperability. In the coming months, Thales will invest several million euros in Germany to strengthen its industrial presence in the country and further expand its proximity to customers.”

Christoph Ruffner, CEO and Country Director, THALES Germany.