Seeing the Battlefield Like a Video Game

Elbit Systems of America equips U.S. forces with next-generation night vision goggles that do far more than just illuminate the dark.

Operating in no-light or low-light conditions has posed immense challenges for soldiers on the battlefield for decades. From navigating pitch darkness to precisely identifying targets, these systems have become essential tools for modern warfighters.

Devices like the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B) and the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG) enable soldiers to navigate, identify targets, and maintain situational awareness even in complete darkness.

Designed and manufactured by Elbit Systems' American branch in Roanoke, Virginia, these sophisticated solutions combine traditional night vision with thermal imaging and augmented reality capabilities.

"The future of warfighters is our division's priority," says Erik, Senior VP and General Manager of the Warfighter Systems branch. With a distinguished career in defense, including service in the Navy's submarine corps, Erik emphasizes the shift in focus: "We're no longer just providers of night vision equipment; we're aiming to create a network of connected soldiers who can share data, receive real-time intelligence, and make decisions faster than ever before."

Beyond Night Vision

For over 60 years, night vision has been an important part of Elbit Systems’ expertise, evolving from first-generation devices in the 1960s to today’s sophisticated third-generation sensors. Yet, the company’s ambitions go much further. In December 2024, Elbit Systems delivered its 20,000th Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG) to the U.S. Marine Corps, as part of a $500 million multi-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract.

"This isn’t just about night vision equipment," Erik explains. "The SBNVG combines traditional NVG capabilities with thermal imaging, creating an integrated system that provides soldiers with a clear view of their environment in a wide range of conditions." These innovative devices are the result of relentless development, offering a lightweight design and exceptional functionality.

The U.S. Army is also reaping the benefits of Elbit Systems’ advancements. In December 2024, Elbit America secured a $139 million delivery order under another ID/IQ contract for Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B) systems. Scheduled for delivery through December 2026, these devices offer superior situational awareness for soldiers in all weather and visibility conditions.

"The ENVG-Bs are essential on the modern battlefield," Erik emphasizes. "They provide augmented reality and passive targeting capabilities, enhancing survivability, mobility, and lethality."  Since 2020, Elbit Systems’ American subsidiary has delivered over 25,000 sophisticated night vision binocular systems between SBNVG and ENVG-B.

Advancing Augmented Vision

Looking ahead, Elbit Systems' roadmap focuses on investments in miniaturization to create night vision devices as compact as jeweler’s glasses. These advancements aim to revolutionize the battlefield and aim to enable their use across platforms such as drones, aircraft, and ground vehicles.

"We’re developing systems that aim to reflect capabilities seen in video games and sci-fi films," Erik says. Augmented reality overlays, infrared capabilities, and integrated day cameras are in development, potentially paving the way for soldiers to experience an interface akin to 'Iron Man.' "Imagine a warfighter viewing a live, augmented display of the battlefield, identifying friendly and enemy forces at a glance. That’s our goal."

Collaborations with Elbit Aerospace amplify these efforts, leveraging technologies initially developed for combat aircraft to create advanced projection systems for ground forces.

Built on Trust

What distinguishes Elbit is its ethos of long-term strategy and reliability. "Our success isn’t defined by being Israeli or American; it’s about conducting business the right way," Erik asserts. "Our customers view us as partners, not just providers. That trust is invaluable."

As Elbit Systems of America continues to push the boundaries of possibility, one thing is clear: the future of the warfighter is brighter, smarter, and more connected than ever.