Despite the ongoing dispute between Heckler & Koch and Haenel which has ground the Bundeswehr’s G36 replacement program to a halt the next optic to be mounted on Germany’s future service rifle has been selected. The Bundeswehr began their search for a new optic back in April 2018. Leonardo has been selected to supply the Bundeswehr with over 100,000 ELCAN Specter DR 1-4x sights.

Leonardo Germany GmbH has signed a contract with the Bundeswehr’s office of Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, the BAAINBw, to provide 107,929 ELCAN Specter DR 1-4x. Deliveries of the optics are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2021. The ELCAN Specter is currently in service with the Canadian, British, Australian and Norwegian armies and most recently the Danish Army.

Below is Leonardo’s announcement in full:

Leonardo, through its subsidiary Leonardo Germany GmbH, has signed a framework agreement with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) for the supply of up to 107,929 daylight optics for use on both current and new Bundeswehr assault rifles.

Leonardo will deliver ELCAN Specter® DR 1-4x sights adapted to the requirements of the Bundeswehr. The specific adaptations refer to a modified reticle and a housing with an integrated Picatinny rail. The most important design change is the ability to operate the switching mechanism from 1x to 4x magnification on both sides of the new sight for assault rifles, while retaining the compact design and robustness of the optic.
First deliveries of the sight will take place in the third quarter of 2021.

Leonardo is pleased to equip and support the German Armed Forces with the ELCAN Specter® DR 1-4 x daylight optics, which are already successfully in service with various NATO nations. For the German subsidiary, the recently signed agreement with the Bundeswehr represents an important push for its soldier systems sector. The product portfolio for this business unit includes innovative laser systems, night vision and thermal imaging technology, which are already being used by military and special forces in Germany and NATO.

The new daylight optics for the Bundeswehr, the ELCAN Specter® DR 1-4x, represents a vital component of an entire optronic system for infantry missions.

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