Qioptiq, an Excelitas technologies company, has secured a multi-million pound (£) contract for the supply of Kite In-Line Weapon Sights and maintenance items to the Commonwealth of Australia Department of Defence in support of the Australia Defence Forces (ADF) LAND125 3C project.
The LAND125 3C project is concerned with equipping Australian soldiers with a new Austeyr F88 rifle and rifle accessories. The rifle accessories include the most advanced sighting systems that improve the soldier’s effectiveness during night-time close combat military operations. ADF is recognized as a very diligent purchaser of military equipment and the items they select are tested rigorously, prior to a selection where equipment performance is considered as a high priority.
Dave W. Evans, Qioptiq Head of Export Sales, Land Business Group, said, “It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to again supply our weapon sights to the Australia Defence Forces, particularly knowing that their robust testing regime and procurement processes allow only a selection of the best equipment from reputable suppliers world-wide. It’s also pleasing to see that our Kite family of weapon sights continue to attract a positive reputation for performance and reliability. This success with the Australia Defence Forces, a highly respected military user, will hopefully allow us to increase our sales to this region. The team at Qioptiq have always been confident that our Kite In-Line product is world-class and the best available, the selection by the Australia Defence Forces now confirms this. We’re very happy with this award and our focus is now directed towards making sure that this special customer remains satisfied with the product and our performance.”
Kite In-Line is a compact night sighting system that’s mounted on a weapon in front of a magnified day sight. Kite In-Line uses image intensification technology to amplify the small amount of light energy available at night time, to present the soldier with a clear bright image of the night scene. It’s possible to see a person at distances beyond 1,000m in night time conditions were the naked eye would struggle to see very short distances. This capability allows the soldier the ability to observe and engage any threats, providing the soldier with additional protection against an enemy using a lesser performing night sighting system.
