Night Vision Devices

The Night Vision Devices program is a comprehensive procurement initiative under the Army's Other Procurement, Communications and Electronics Equipment appropriation. The primary goal of this program is to enhance the lethality, survivability, and situational awareness of the Close Combat Force (CCF) and supporting units through the acquisition of advanced night vision and targeting technologies. The program aligns with the Army's Soldier Lethality Modernization priorities and supports both active and reserve components for homeland defense, emergency response, and military support to civil authorities.

Helmet Mounted Enhanced Vision Devices (ENVG-B) focuses on procuring the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular system. ENVG-B is a modular, helmet-mounted device that fuses dual image intensification sensors with thermal imagery, providing depth perception and rapid target recognition in low-light and adverse conditions. The system is designed to integrate with existing Army helmets and interfaces wirelessly with weapon sights and soldier-worn systems for augmented reality and passive targeting. Procurement includes systems, program management, engineering, spares, and support equipment.

Laser Target Locator Module (LTLM) supports the Close Combat Soldier's situational awareness by providing lightweight, handheld laser target locators with day and thermal sight capabilities and integrated GPS. LTLM enables accurate target location and call-for-fire capabilities in all weather and lighting conditions, improving speed, accuracy, and safety over previous systems. While there is no funding requested for FY 2026, prior years and FY 2025 included procurement for both active Army and National Guard units, with Optics 1, Inc. as the primary contractor.

Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) is designed to provide advanced combat situational awareness and synthetic training capabilities. IVAS includes a heads-up display, local processing, soldier power equipment, and network components, enabling soldiers to train, rehearse, and fight using the same system. The system supports augmented reality overlays, blue force tracking, navigation, and machine learning-enabled data sharing. While no procurement is planned for FY 2026, previous years focused on developing and fielding the system, with quantities and funding realigned to support next-generation situational awareness and command and control architectures.

Binocular Night Observation Device (BiNOD) is a new start in FY 2026. BiNOD is intended for CCF Direct Support drivers, crews, and dismounts, providing optimal resolution and depth perception for obstacle avoidance, threat recognition, and execution of MOS-specific tasks. The system addresses critical mobility and protection gaps identified by the Maneuver Center of Excellence for Stryker and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams. The procurement includes systems engineering, program management, fielding, spares, and support equipment, with production scheduled to begin in May 2026.

The Night Vision Devices program is justified by its alignment with the National Defense Strategy and the Army Transformation Initiative, aiming to maintain operational superiority in contested environments. Each line item within the program addresses specific capability gaps and modernization objectives, ensuring that soldiers are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for night operations, targeting, and situational awareness. Procurement quantities and funding levels are determined based on Army Acquisition Objectives and assessments of operational risk and priority.