Breaking News
DEFEA 2025: Theon’s IRIS-C, THERMIS and THEA Boost Tactical Awareness with Fused Vision and Soldier Connectivity.
At DEFEA 2025 in Athens, Army Recognition interviewed Philippe Mennicken, Business Development Director at THEON SENSORS. In this exclusive on-site interview, he introduced THEON’s latest optronic systems designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of modern dismounted soldiers: the IRIS-C thermal clip-on, the THERMIS thermal sight, and the THEA head-up display. These devices are integrated via an intelligent energy management system and are compatible with command platforms such as ATAK. Together, they provide soldiers with fused vision, real-time data access, and improved engagement capabilities, both day and night.
The IRIS-C thermal clip-on enables the addition of thermal imaging to existing night vision goggles such as THEON’s NYX, Mikron, or Argus models. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
With operations in over 70 countries and as a supplier to 26 NATO members, THEON SENSORS used DEFEA 2025 to reaffirm its role as a key player in military optronics. The company showcased its A.R.M.E.D. ecosystem (Augmented Reality Modular Ecosystem of Devices), a modular and connected architecture focused on enhancing the capabilities of the dismounted soldier. Three flagship systems were highlighted: IRIS-C, THERMIS, and THEA.
The IRIS-C thermal clip-on enables the addition of thermal imaging to existing night vision goggles such as THEON’s NYX, Mikron, or Argus models. It is also compatible with third-party systems. This integration allows users to access fused imaging without altering the ballistic zero of daytime optics. When linked to THEON’s Smart Battery Pack and battle management systems like ATAK, IRIS-C can display tactical data such as friendly force locations or mission waypoints directly within the soldier’s field of view. The system has already been adopted by several NATO and Middle Eastern armed forces.
Also featured was the THERMIS clip-on sight, a field-proven thermal system available in three variants, Medium Range (MR), Long Range (LR), and Extra Long Range (ELR), to meet a range of weapon platform needs, from assault rifles to sniper rifles and heavy machine guns. THERMIS uses an uncooled infrared sensor and includes a digital compass, inclinometer, and advanced image processing algorithms. It offers target detection in obstructed environments. THERMIS has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence for the Sniper In-Line Low Light System (SILLS) and is also in service with the Canadian armed forces.
The First system, THEA, is a transparent head-up display that projects mission-relevant and georeferenced data within the user’s direct line of sight. Recently selected for the German "IdZ - Future Soldier" programme, THEA integrates seamlessly into digitally networked operational environments. It supports improved coordination and contributes to faster tactical decision-making by allowing users to receive situational data without breaking visual contact with their surroundings.
Together, IRIS-C, THERMIS, and THEA form a comprehensive response to the demands of multi-domain operations. Sensor fusion, connectivity, and mobility are now core requirements for modern land forces. THEON's offering reflects this shift by providing integrated, field-ready solutions already in service or under contract.
By presenting IRIS-C, THERMIS, and THEA at DEFEA 2025, THEON SENSORS demonstrates its ability to deliver connected optronic solutions adapted to the evolving needs of modern infantry. Whether enhancing night targeting accuracy, overlaying thermal and night vision imagery, or integrating tactical data in real time, these systems support improved performance, interoperability, and situational awareness. The full interview with Philippe Mennicken, filmed at THEON’s stand during DEFEA 2025, can be viewed below.