The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) have procured new binocular image intensifiers of the Bino-25 type, which are now being introduced across several units. The acquisition has been driven by the air base rangers (flygbasjägarna), a unit that has long worked with the development and use of image intensifiers. This is reported by the Swedish Armed Forces on their website.
– For units that primarily operate in darkness, having the right equipment is essential to increase the chances of survival in combat. The new systems are fused image intensifiers with improved performance and all-in-one functionality, says Mattias, development officer with the air base rangers, in the press release.
The new system differs from previous equipment by utilising two image tubes, providing improved depth perception. In addition, the system is equipped with an integrated thermal camera, enabling the detection and identification of targets without the use of a weapon sight, according to the article.
According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the need for advanced night-vision equipment is linked to the threat landscape, in which adversaries are capable of operating around the clock.
– Among the threats facing an air wing are sabotage units — so-called special forces — that carry out all their tasks both day and night. We must therefore match that capability, says Mattias.
Colonel Carl "Wiseman" Bergqvist, Commander of the Air Warfare School (Luftstridsskolan), commented on the procurement on X:
– This gives the Swedish Air Force's ground units, and above all the security elements, a night-vision capability of the absolute highest order, writes Bergqvist.
The Bino-25 has already been put into operational use. The system has been employed during operations in Greenland as well as on air surveillance missions in Iceland. Experience gained from these deployments indicates, according to the Swedish Armed Forces, that the equipment performs reliably under demanding conditions. The system can also be connected to digital support systems to enhance real-time situational awareness.