The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) will support Night Vision and Optoelectronics (NVO) Support Partnership (SP) member Nations with the supply and in-service support of Riflescopes for NATO 5.56mm and 7.62mm calibre assault rifles through a recently-awarded Outline Agreement (OA) to Raytheon ELCAN. This was the outcome of a Specification-Based International Competitive Request for Proposal (RfP), which was processed with an expedited project timeline. This contract fulfils requirements of the Night Vision and Optoelectronics (NVO) Support Partnership (SP) member Nations (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway) for the next 5 years. NSPA placed a large order for Riflescopes on behalf of the Lithuanian Defence Forces, for which Raytheon ELCAN will begin deliveries in 2024.
The NSPA Air and Land Combat Systems Programme conducted a field test campaign in Denmark led by the NVO Technical Team, in coordination with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation. This was the first occasion where a test campaign was included in an RfP for NVO products as part of the Technical Evaluation process. ELCAN’s Specter DR dual field-of-view sights with 1-4x magnification for NATO 5.56mm and 7.62mm caliber rifles were put to the test under a rigorous trial plan. The term “NVO” embraces a large variety of products: stand-alone, integrated or networked thermal imaging equipment, image intensifying, UV, optical and laser systems used for observation, surveillance, target acquisition, aim, location or target designation including their aiming platform or control system, as well as related accessories and support equipment.
Raytheon ELCAN Optical Technologies, also simply ELCAN (Ernst Leitz CANada), is a Canadian optics and electronics manufacturing company owned by American defense contractor RTX Corporation, currently based in Midland, Ontario. ELCAN produces optical devices geared towards both civilian and military markets, and their products are sold through Armament Technology Inc. based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and associated channels of dealers. ELCAN is perhaps best known for making the prismatic C79 optical sight that is widely used on the Diemaco C7, FN MINIMI, FN MAG and CZ-805 BREN families of firearms. ELCAN currently manufactures the “Specter” line of combat optics in a variety of configurations. The Specter 4× Optical Sight, DR 1.5×/6×, DR 1x/4× and TR 1/3/9 are available with a BDC reticle for the 5.56×45mm NATO or the 7.62×51mm NATO.
ELCAN Specter Sights are military optical combat sights that help shooters see better and farther in extreme environments and unpredictable situations. ELCAN sights deliver proven solutions for U.S., Canada, U.K, Australia and other international, allied militaries. From close-quarters and heavy reflex sights with unlimited eye relief to dual role and digital sights for both man-portable and vehicle mounted missions, our sights deliver a decisive edge for identification and accurate engagement at maximum effective range. These sights provide the right tool, customized for mission requirements to make soldiers more effective and keep them safer.
