German Bundestag approves purchase of IRIS thermal imaging systems for battlefield digitalization

IRIS

On June 26, 2025, the German Bundestag approved the purchase of IRIS thermal imaging overhead systems, a digital product jointly developed by Theon and Berlin-based Andres Industries AG. This purchase was a key step in Germany's battlefield digitalization strategy and modernization of infantry capabilities.

Features of the IRIS system

- IRIS is not just traditional thermal imaging or night vision devices, but part of a new family of ARMED (Augmented Reality Modular Enhanced Devices) systems aimed at increasing tactical awareness and survivability of soldiers.

- The system integrates with existing night-time devices, in particular with Theon Mikron glasses widely used in the Bundeswehr.

- IRIS combines enhanced imaging with thermal overlays, which makes it possible to detect camouflaged or stationary targets in difficult conditions such as dense vegetation, smoke, and low light conditions.

- This significantly improves the speed of detection, recognition and destruction of targets, which is critical in modern asymmetric and low-visibility combat conditions.

Investments and prospects

- The initial investment is 49 million euros.

- With the purchase options, the total amount may exceed 200 million euros.

"The purchase of IRIS marks the transition from analog optical devices to fully integrated, multispectral battlefield awareness systems.

- It is expected that IRIS thermal imaging systems will be widely implemented in infantry units, which will increase their effectiveness and survival.

Thus, the acquisition of IRIS is an important element of the modernization of the Bundeswehr, aimed at digital transformation and increasing the combat capabilities of the German troops.

Northrop Grumman and Colt unveil prototype of new 25 mm precision grenade launcher

Grenade launcher from Northrop Grumman and Colt

Northrop Grumman Corporation, in collaboration with the renowned weapons manufacturer Colt, has unveiled a promising new 25 mm high-precision grenade launcher designed to increase infantry firepower. For the first time, a working prototype was shown in action in a short video released by the company.

The video footage shows a soldier firing a compact and light weapon designed for 25x59 mm high-precision ammunition. According to experts, the new system combines the ability to hit targets at a considerable distance, high efficiency against armored objects and the ability to integrate into modern fire control systems.

It is expected that this grenade launcher will become part of a broader program to modernize the weapons of U.S. infantry units, including use as part of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) programs. and other promising projects for equipping motorized infantry units.

Unlike traditional automatic grenade launchers, this 25 mm version has improved accuracy due to the use of smart shots with programmable explosive heads, as well as reduced recoil, which makes it suitable for use by a single fighter or as part of an infantry fighting vehicle crew.

This demonstration was an important stage in the development of advanced small arms and may indicate the beginning of the transition from prototypes to actual deployment in the military.

China has introduced a micro drone for infantry

 China has introduced a microdron resembling a thermos, weighing less than a kilogram (about 2 pounds), designed for use by the infantry of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). Despite its lightweight characteristics, the microdron can carry twice its own weight thanks to its coaxial twin-rotor system. It is equipped with a built-in neural processor that uses guidance based on artificial intelligence (AI), so one operator can control multiple drones simultaneously.

The Chinese drone, dubbed the "first of its kind," operates silently and is equipped with folding rotors, as well as modular payload bays, allowing it to carry out reconnaissance and attack missions.  It can be armed with a maximum of three grenades and launched from a 35mm grenade launcher for faster takeoff and longer range movement.

Three grenades on a drone

Kurganets-25: characteristics and application

 

Kurganets-25

Kurganets-25 or Object 695 is a promising medium tracked platform being developed by Tractor Plants Concern. Many other enterprises, such as the Burevestnik Central Research Institute and others, are involved in the development of the platform. The platform is designed according to a modular principle, which makes it easier and faster to manufacture and repair armored vehicles based on it. It is expected to start production for pilot military operation in 2015 and mass production in 2017.

Appointment:

The Kurganets-25 is a universal tracked platform, on the basis of which it is planned to create an infantry fighting vehicle (GABTU Index — Object 695), a tracked armored personnel carrier (GABTU Index — Object 693) and an anti-tank self-propelled gun with a 125 mm tank gun. It is intended to replace the existing infantry fighting vehicles in service with the Russian army.

Description of the construction:

The engine and transmission compartment of the platform is located in the front of the body and is shifted to the right to improve the layout of the machine. A ramp with an additional door in it is used to unload the troops. The weight of the machine will be approximately 25 tons. Metal armor elements will complement the active protection complex on the tower. Ammunition and weapons are isolated from the landing party and the crew.

The crew consists of three people. The troop compartment is designed for eight people.

The suspension is hydropneumatic, with variable ground clearance from 100 to 500 mm.

The BMD and BMP platforms are equipped with a remote-controlled universal combat module "Boomerang-BM", armed with a 30 mm 2A42 automatic cannon with selective ammunition (500 rounds of ammunition), a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun (2,000 rounds of ammunition), two dual ATGM launchers "Kornet". An automatic grenade launcher is not provided. The movement of the combat module is carried out by computer-controlled electric motors. The combat module can be controlled by the gunner and the vehicle commander. Due to robotics, the universal combat module is able to monitor the target and independently fire at the object until it is destroyed, the operator only needs to specify the target, after which the computer will monitor it itself.

The car is also equipped with environmental surveillance cameras. There is an embrasure for an AK assault rifle in the rear door.

Experimental military operation:

Since 2015, batches of vehicles for experimental military operation have been sent to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The military cited the high profile of the car as a disadvantage. Despite the fact that the profile of the Kurganets is approximately the same in height as that of its Western counterparts (48 mm higher than that of the M2 Bradly and 58 mm lower than that of the German Puma), as well as the thickness of the armor, the Russian military, which traditionally prefers vehicles with a low profile, they call it the "grenade launcher dream." Because of this, the deadlines for completing research and development work (R&D) on the Kurganets-25 medium tracked platform were shifted by a year. According to Albert Bakov, First vice president and co-owner of the Tractor Plants concern, state tests will begin in 2017 due to the refinement of the machine profile.

Cars on the base:

Object 693 is an armored personnel carrier.

Object 695 is an infantry fighting vehicle.

TTX:

- Classification: Unified Medium tracked platform

- Combat weight: ~25 tons

- Layout: Front-engine

- Crew: 3 people

- Landing party: 8 people

- Manufacturer: Russia

- Years of operation: 2015 - present

- Body length: 7,200 mm

- Case width: 3,200 mm

- Height:

2,365 mm (on the roof of the hull)

3,020 mm (with the combat module)

3,290 mm (on the commander's sight)

- Active protection: Afghanite

- Dynamic protection: Yes

- Suspension type: Independent semi-active hydropneumatic torsion bar on longitudinal arms

- Surmountable ford: Floats