Theon International Plc (THEON) has entered into a major multi-year framework agreement with the German Armed Forces for the supply of up to 25,000 thermal weapon-mounted clip-on sights, in a deal exceeding €100 million in total value. The agreement covers an initial confirmed order of approximately 6,000 units backed by options for a further 19,000 systems, reflecting one of the largest European military procurements in the thermal imaging domain to date.

The signing ceremony was held in Koblenz, marking THEON’s largest individual order for this class of equipment and the biggest thermal clip-on procurement within the European Union so far. The contract is expected to significantly enhance the Bundeswehr’s night-fighting capability, enabling infantry and special forces units to improve detection, target recognition, and engagement effectiveness in all operational conditions, including complete darkness, smoke, and adverse weather.

The thermal clip-on system allows existing optical or electronic sights to be converted into thermal imaging devices without removing the primary sight, providing seamless transition between day and night operations. This gives troops enhanced situational awareness and battlefield dominance without altering familiar weapon configurations.

THEON will assemble the systems in its industrial facilities in Wetzlar, Germany, reinforcing its local-production strategy and deepening its footprint in the German defence sector. Over the past few years the group has invested in four German companies, creating an integrated supply chain and enhancing domestic industrial capability aligned with German defence-procurement requirements.

The contract was awarded following a competitive tender run by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), the central procurement authority for the German Armed Forces. This marks THEON’s second digital/thermal technology tender win in Germany in 2025, following an earlier contract for the IRIS-C thermal clip-on system.

With this latest award, THEON continues to transition from its traditional strength in night-vision systems into advanced digital and thermal imaging technologies. The company now positions itself as a supplier of fully integrated electro-optical solutions rather than just a night-vision manufacturer.

Philippe Mennicken, Deputy CEO and Business Development Director of THEON, commented on the importance of the agreement, stating that the contract confirms both the maturity of the company’s technology and the trust placed in its operational performance by one of Europe’s largest armed forces.

“This contract is a strong recognition of our reliability and competitiveness,” he said. “Our leadership in night-vision technology is now firmly expanding into thermal imaging. 

Combined within our A.R.M.E.D. ecosystem, our systems deliver high performance across the entire spectrum of observation and targeting conditions.”

THEON said its expanding production capacity in both Greece and Germany will allow it to meet rising European demand as militaries continue modernizing soldier systems to reflect the realities of modern warfare.

The company also confirmed it will publish its complete 2025 order intake and option portfolio on 10 December 2025, following a scheduled framework amendment with OCCAR. That announcement is expected to provide greater clarity on the company’s revenue outlook for the coming years.