Thales unveiled PANORAMIC Night vision goggles at SOFINS 2025

 At SOFINS 2025, Thales unveiled for the first time its new PANORAMIC night vision goggles, a four-tube image enhancement system specifically designed to meet the operational needs of special forces and specialized units, particularly in counterterrorism and hostage rescue operations. 

This new optotronic device, developed over the course of just over two years by Thales teams at the Center of Excellence in Optoelectronics for dismounted Soldiers, was fully funded by the French Defense Innovation Agency (AID). It reflects France's intention to provide compact and efficient night vision solutions free from ITAR export restrictions.

 PANORAMIC

The U.S. Army plans to conduct its next hypersonic missile test in December

 

The US Army has scheduled another test of its long-range hypersonic Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) missile for December this year. This step is part of a program to develop and implement hypersonic weapons that can reach speeds above 5 sound speeds (Mach 5) and maneuver at various altitudes, making them virtually invulnerable to existing missile defense systems.

The LRHW, also known as the Dark Eagle, is a ground-based missile system equipped with a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) hypersonic glide unit. In December, an “end-to-end” test is planned, in which the rocket will be launched using a transport and launch vehicle (TEL) and an operational battery center. This will be the second successful AUR (All Up Round) test run this year.

The goal of the program is to integrate hypersonic missiles into the armament of the US Army and the US Navy. The U.S. Navy also plans to use a modification of the C-HGB called Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) for its ships and submarines. If the tests are successful, the US Army expects to begin deploying LRHW units in 2025.

Hypersonic missiles are considered breakthrough technologies in military affairs, as their speed and maneuverability allow them to strike highly protected and time-critical targets with high efficiency. The United States is actively developing and testing hypersonic systems in competition with other world powers such as China and Russia, which have also demonstrated their achievements in this field.

Denmark joins the multinational Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program

 

In early April 2025, Denmark officially joined the multinational Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program, becoming the fifth participating country after Finland, Latvia, Sweden and Germany. The CAVS program was initiated in 2019 by Finland and Latvia with the aim of jointly developing, purchasing and managing a 6x6 armored wheeled vehicle platform based on the Patria 6x6 design. 

The Patria 6x6 is a modular, high—performance, yet simple, reliable, and affordable platform designed for tactical troop transport in a variety of environments. It has a high level of protection and mobility, which allows it to be used in various missions, from transporting soldiers to combat support. 

Denmark's joining the CAVS is an important step in modernizing its armed forces and strengthening the country's defense capability. It also highlights the growing importance of multinational cooperation within the framework of European security. Participation in the program allows Denmark to gain access to advanced technologies and reduce the cost of purchasing and maintaining armored vehicles through joint efforts. 

In addition, the CAVS program helps strengthen industrial resilience and security of supply, as most of the production and supplies are carried out using local production facilities of the participating countries. It also promotes interoperability between the armed forces of different countries, simplifying joint operations and logistical exchanges. 

The CAVS program remains open to other European countries with similar weapons requirements, subject to the approval of current participants. This provides an opportunity to further expand and strengthen European defense cooperation.