Deeside.com > News
Posted: Mon 18th Nov 2024
British soldiers are set to benefit from cutting-edge technology with the rollout of the TALON Fused Weapon Sight, the most advanced rifle sight ever used by the British Army.
The £120 million contract, announced by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), will sustain 650 jobs at Qioptiq, a defence company based in St Asaph, Denbighshire.
The TALON sight enables soldiers to detect and engage targets more effectively in low light or darkness, using advanced optical and thermal recognition technology.
The device enhances accuracy at distances of up to 1 kilometre and is compatible with the Army’s SA80 A3 and HUNTER rifles.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said:
“Rolling out this high-tech rifle sight shows how we’re investing in new technology for our soldiers to take the fight to our adversaries.
“The rifle night sights are tried and tested, proving highly effective in keeping British soldiers protected in difficult environments.
“The deal is also a significant jobs boost for Wales, with £120 million invested and 650 jobs sustained in the area.”
The £120 million contract continues the procurement of the TALON sight under a seven-year Framework Agreement with Qioptiq.
While some soldiers are already using the sight in tests, the first of the new sights is expected to see wider use across the Army next year (2025).
The Enhanced Light Force Battalion, 2 Royal YORKS, based in Chester, has been tasked since 2021 with trialling the development of the cutting-edge rifle night sight systems. British soldiers gained firsthand experience with the advanced rifle capability and provided glowing feedback.
Brigadier Nick Serle, Head Military Capability Delivery (MCD) in the British Army Headquarters Programmes Directorate, said:
“This contract results from true collaboration between the user community, our trials and development teams, Dstl, DE&S, and Qioptiq. We expect the sight to continue to develop and remain truly world-leading.
“It is testament to the power of collaboration. This is the Land Industrial Strategy in action, a collaborative and iterative journey that started in 2016.”
Critical in-service support for the sights will be managed through the Surveillance and Target Acquisition support contract delivered by Excelitas, which owns Qioptiq.
Peter White, Managing Director of Excelitas, said:
“We’re delighted that the British Army and DE&S continue to recognise the enhanced fighting capabilities our TALON fused weapon sight delivers.
“We look forward to providing this world-leading system for the end users for many years to come, supported by our 650 skilled employees at our facility in North Wales.”
Corporal Brandon Allan, of the Enhanced Light Force Battalion, said:
“The ARILLS is a new sight system for the SA80 A3 that fits to the Picatinny rail, but you can also use it as a slung sight system.
“The thermal imaging is a lot clearer and more accurate. You can see and actively engage targets at a greater range than previous systems, also outlining positions for you as halos.
“That means it’s a lot more effective and a significant improvement in a soldier’s capability.
“You can tune the ARILLS to meet your individual needs, enabling you to locate and target the enemy from much further away.
“It gives the sense of being one step ahead of everyone else.”
Spotted something? Got a story? Send a Facebook Message | A direct message on Twitter | Email: [email protected]
Latest News
