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2021-08-01

Senop to Supply Laser Sights, Image Intensifiers to Finland

Senop, a part of Patria Group, has secured a contract worth more than 13.6 M€ (excluding VAT) to deliver laser sights and additional NVG M40 image intensifiers to the Finnish Defence Forces Logistic Command.

Senop is expected to deliver the systems by the end of October 2022.

The proliferation of night vision technology on today’s battlefield has essentially turned the night into day. Superior advances have been made in night vision technology. Modern armies can and will fight effectively at night, and the force that cannot cope with darkness will lose the battle.

When one considers operating at night, psychological and physiological considerations must be considered. Man is not nocturnal by nature. Our instinctive reaction to darkness is to find a secure place, rest, and wait for daylight. An enemy felt but unseen is more sinister than one whose presence and activity can be observed. The proliferation of night-vision equipment and modern weaponry has increased the advantages gained from night operations, but it has not substantially reduced the psychological effect of darkness on humans.

Successful night operation depends on training and leadership and should include both individual and unit skills. Capable night vision devices will help, but if the skills of soldiers and units are not at a high level, even the best equipment does not guarantee victory. Night training and constant rehearsals are essential to a unit’s success.

When a commander/leader is developing the scheme of offensive manoeuvre, a simple concept, but a detailed plan is required. In night operations, the objective must be easily identifiable, limited in size, and singular. The size of the objective and the strength of the enemy should be directly proportionate to the size of the assault echelon. Secrecy in preparation relates directly to the degree of surprise one will achieve in executing a night attack.

Attacking units must be judicious in the selection of the terrain, maximising cover and concealment and not relying on the straight-line approach from the line of departure to the objective. A “business as usual” attitude should prevail and nothing out of the ordinary should be done to reveal intentions. A well-trained and capable unit will benefit from the night and bad weather conditions.

Key Requirements

The trust on Senop products prompted Finnish Defence Forces Logistic Command to place the order. Senop considers that night fighting gear shall be simple to use, light and robust to stand the stress on military environments. Image performance and energy consumption are also key requirements for night vision devises. Senop’s stated mission is to support the end users (soldiers and units) in harsh and extreme conditions, to make them see the unseen.

The Finnish order consists of Soldier’s Lasers, Tactical Lasers, and additional purchase of NVG M40 Monocular image intensifiers.

Additionally, the Senop Soldier’s Laser Sight M20 is light, simple and robust laser sight to withstand high recoils and extremely demanding use in military conditions. Senop Tactical Laser M20 is a multi-functional laser sight with a visible laser, an IR laser, and an IR illuminator. It’s easy to use and has long operating hours and can be used in both day and night-time.

Senop NVG M40 Monocular is one of the lightest high-performance NVGs on the market. M40 utilises cutting-edge aspheric high-precision glass optics combined with composite materials to provide a high level of usability and performance.

Senop laser sights and image intensifiers are developed in close co-operation with the Finnish Defence Forces. Intensive field tests have been conducted in demanding conditions since 2019. Energy management is a key requirement especially in Arctic conditions. All these devices (laser sights and NVGs) can operate both AA- and CCR123 batteries. NVG M40 Monocular can be equipped with external power supply to increase the operating hours.

Aki Korhonen, Managing Director of Senop, stated: “In this programme, the end user of the equipment, the soldier, has been at the centre. For this reason, field tests and feedback from the test team have played a major role in the development. Our engineers have supported operations on the field, thus completing ergonomics and durability. The co-operation with FDF has been excellent.”

Senop builds new capabilities by tailoring solutions according to customer’s specific needs and requirements. Senop’s Defence & Security portfolio consists of high-performance image intensifiers, night sights, intelligent thermal sights, handheld target acquisition and observation systems, vehicle camera systems, hyperspectral cameras, and multi-purpose container-based platform solutions.

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