Spanish Army Orders 17,000 NVLS 4G Night Vision Devices to Boost Night Combat Capabilities

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has signed a major contract for the acquisition of 17,000 fourth-generation night vision monoculars (NVLS 4G), aiming to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of its land forces during low-light and nighttime missions. The deal marks one of the largest single procurements of individual soldier optronics in Europe in recent years and reflects Spain’s ongoing investment in modernizing its Force 35 structure.

Strategic Context: Force 35 Modernization and Operational Needs

The procurement aligns with the Spanish Army’s broader “Force 35” transformation initiative—a long-term modernization program focused on creating agile, technologically advanced combat units capable of operating in multi-domain environments. As part of this effort, Spain is prioritizing soldier lethality and survivability through enhanced situational awareness tools such as advanced optics and sensors.

Night operations remain a critical capability gap for many NATO ground forces. While some elite units have long been equipped with high-end image intensification systems (I²), widespread distribution across regular infantry remains uneven. Spain’s decision to equip tens of thousands of troops with modern monoculars represents a shift toward democratizing access to night-fighting capabilities across its entire force structure.

NVLS 4G Monocular Overview: Features and Performance

The NVLS (Night Vision Lightweight System) 4G is a compact monocular based on Thales’ latest generation image intensification technology. It meets NATO STANAG standards for night vision performance and is designed for both helmet-mounted and handheld use. Key features include:

4G Image Intensifier Tube: Delivers improved resolution (>64 lp/mm), extended detection ranges (over 450 m for human targets under starlight), and high FOM (Figure of Merit >2000).
Auto-Gating Technology: Protects the tube from sudden light exposure while maintaining optimal performance in dynamic lighting conditions.
Lightweight Design: Weighs under 350 grams including battery pack; optimized for extended use without fatigue.
Modularity: Can be paired with weapon sights or thermal overlays; compatible with standard helmet mounts used by NATO forces.

The system is designed for rugged field conditions—meeting MIL-STD-810 standards—and can operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +55°C. It also features submersion resistance up to two meters for over an hour.

Industrial Base and Delivery Timeline

The contract was awarded to Thales España through the Directorate-General for Armament and Materiel (DGAM) under Spain’s Ministry of Defence. According to official statements released by Thales Group on September 18th, deliveries are scheduled between late Q4 2025 through mid-2027.

This large-scale production will be supported by Thales’ industrial facilities in Madrid and Leganés, leveraging local assembly lines already used for other soldier systems such as thermal weapon sights and tactical radios. The contract includes logistics support packages—spare parts kits, user training modules—and provisions for future upgrades via software-defined interfaces or tube replacement programs.

Tactical Implications Across Infantry Units

The rollout will prioritize frontline dismounted units including mechanized infantry brigades (BRIMZ), mountain troops (BRIMT), paratroopers (BRIPAC), special operations forces (MOE), and rapid deployment elements under NATO Response Force commitments. Each soldier will receive an individual monocular integrated into their personal equipment loadout alongside ballistic helmets equipped with standardized mounting rails.

This move significantly boosts Spain’s ability to conduct:

Nocturnal patrols & ambushes: Enhanced detection range allows earlier threat identification during rural or urban ops.
CQB & MOUT scenarios: Helmet-mounted configurations enable hands-free maneuvering inside buildings or tight terrain at night.
NATO interoperability: Devices are compatible with common NATO accessories like AN/PVS mounts or Clip-On Thermal Imagers (COTI).

NATO Trends: Growing Demand for Soldier-Borne Optronics

This procurement mirrors similar trends across European militaries investing heavily in soldier-borne optronics post-Ukraine war lessons. France recently completed delivery of over 10,000 O-NYX goggles; Germany continues fielding ENVG-B equivalents; Poland has expanded thermal fusion goggle programs under Tytan project; while UK’s Dismounted Situational Awareness program includes ENVG III-class devices from Elbit subsidiary Instro Precision Technologies Ltd.

NATO planners increasingly recognize that peer-level conflict requires full-spectrum visibility—day/night/all-weather—at every echelon down to the individual rifleman. The Spanish NVLS buy positions its forces closer toward parity with top-tier allied formations while also strengthening national defense industry participation via domestic production channels.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Full-Spectrum Soldier Modernization

The acquisition of NVLS 4G monoculars represents more than just a hardware upgrade—it reflects a doctrinal shift toward equipping every soldier as an integrated sensor node within networked battle groups. As Spain continues implementing Force 35 reforms alongside digital battlefield enablers like BMS-LINCE C2 systems and SATCOM-equipped vehicles, investments like these ensure that even basic infantry retain tactical overmatch after dark.