Latest news with #nightvision
Globe and Mail
10-07-2025
- Globe and Mail
Soldiers accused in extremist plot allegedly had night-vision gear prohibited for civilians
Some of the kinds of tactical gear that the RCMP alleges was in the hands of the soldiers arrested in Quebec is highly restricted and is generally inaccessible to individuals, experts say. On Tuesday, the Mounties arrested and charged four men in connection with an alleged terrorist plot. Two are active non-commissioned army officers, one is a former soldier and the fourth a former cadet instructor. According to court documents, the charges against one of the suspects, 33-year-old army Corporal Matthew Forbes, include accusations that he procured for others two American-made night-vision devices and a laser aiming pointer. All three items were manufactured by L3Harris Technologies, a Florida-based defence company. One item was identified in Cpl. Forbes's charge sheet as a third-generation BNVD-Fused night-vision device. Third-generation refers to newer, better-performing models, said Ziming Wan, an Ontario retailer of night-vision devices. 'It would be very difficult to obtain a BNVD-Fused legally in Canada, even as a current or former service member. They can only be obtained by Canadian government agencies, not individuals,' said Mr. Wan, owner of Opfor Night Solutions. Night-vision goggles and laser targeting devices are routinely bought and sold by gun enthusiasts. However, Mr. Wan said, military-grade gear is tightly controlled. He said that when he sells that type of equipment, the buyer must be a police force or government agency, not individuals, and that it involves special licensing and approvals from American authorities. National Defence to set up civilian-military panels to discipline members accused of inappropriate conduct According to corporate records, Cpl. Forbes is the president of Défense Tactique du Nord Inc., a firm registered in 2023 and using the English name Northern Tactical Defense. The company sells night-vision equipment online and ships 'across Canada and internationally,' according to its website. In a statement e-mailed to The Globe and Mail, the company's vice-president, Julien Thibault, said that it operates in conformity with criminal law, the Defence Production Act and the Controlled Goods Program, which oversees the exportation of strategic and military goods. 'At no time did the business facilitate, approve or support activities outside of its legal frame of operations,' the e-mail said. Mr. Wan said that the allegations against Cpl. Forbes and his co-accused are 'not representative of the night-vision, firearms or tactical training community at all. Night vision itself is not illegal to own.' Federal laws criminalize the trade of the more sophisticated devices so that civilians won't gain tactical advantages over police, said an expert in military procurement. 'You want to restrict who has access to things that can cause harm to people because they've been specifically designed for military purposes,' said Dave Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. He added that 'we have a legal regime that's been set up to put parameters and safeguards around the handling of technology to ensure that it doesn't fall into the wrong person's hands.' Military police reopen investigation into allegations of racist posts Mr. Perry pointed out that only the most sophisticated police tactical teams in Canada would have access to military-grade scopes or night-vision goggles. That's significant, he said, because the RCMP has alleged that three of the accused arrested this week had been engaging in a terrorist facilitation conspiracy involving some discussion of 'intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Quebec City area.' In a nighttime standoff, Mr. Perry said, military-grade equipment could confer an invaluable advantage in a rural area with little lighting. In 2015, two Quebec City residents, Roch Guimont and his mother, Constance, were convicted of illegally selling military-grade third-generation night-vision goggles on eBay, in violation of Canadian export rules. 'The technology for these items is very controlled since they provide a strategic edge for the American army during night operations,' a Quebec Superior Court ruling said. Jessica Davis, who runs a research and consulting company called Insight Threat Intelligence, said the number of weapons seized points to a longer-term plan. She said that depending on the origin of these items, the equipment could have been accumulated over the course of weeks, months or years. According to the charges, the offences took place between June, 2021, and January, 2024, when police seized 83 firearms. 'We know that the activity took place from at least 2021, so I would imagine some of that, that weaponry started to be acquired earlier, but it really is one of the things that's going to be so interesting to learn as this goes to trial,' Dr. Davis said. Cpl. Forbes and the three other suspects – Marc-Aurèle Chabot, Raphaël Lagacé and Simon Angers-Audet – remain in custody until their next court date, July 14. The Canadian Forces have confirmed that Cpl. Forbes is serving at CFB Valcartier, north of Quebec City. Near the base, the arrests were the talk on Tuesday for army veterans Serge Tremblay and Al Maillette as they had coffee at McDonald's. 'We are only talking about four [people],' Mr. Tremblay said. 'Are there 10, 15, 100? We don't know. If they wanted to attack something, they can't do that with four.' With reports from Claire McFarlane in Toronto
Bloomberg
08-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Dubai Startup Raises $250 Million for Night-Vision Contact Lens
A Dubai-based startup founded by a Russian and a Ukrainian raised $250 million to develop smart contact lenses that provide night vision, zoom capabilities and real-time health checks. The Series A round, led by Hong Kong-based Opportunity Venture (Asia) Ltd., values Xpanceo at $1.35 billion, the startup said in a statement Tuesday. Opportunity Venture provided $40 million in seed financing for the company in 2023.
CBC
08-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
A major defence contract is set to favour U.S. supplier, despite Carney's promise to diversify
Social Sharing The federal government is set to proceed with awarding a major defence contract despite industry concerns that its requirements are written in a way that all but assures a single American company is eligible. A tender for night-vision binoculars — worth more than an estimated $100 million — is set to close on Tuesday at 2 p.m. A competing company says the request includes a technical requirement that favours one American firm, at the exclusion of all others. The request requires a specific signal-to-noise ratio for the image intensifier tubes in the binoculars. The European competitor says the requirement is unique to the Canadian military — not reflecting industry norms, nor the requirements of NATO allies. The contract's posting comes at a time when Prime Minister Mark Carney has repeatedly said Canada is looking beyond the United States for defence spending. "We stood shoulder to shoulder with the Americans throughout the Cold War and in the decades that followed, as the United States played a dominant role on the world stage. Today, that dominance is a thing of the past," said Carney last month. In June, Carney signed a new defence and security agreement with the European Union, signalling his commitment to deepen Canada's partnership with the EU. On Monday, Defence Minister David McGuinty said he was unaware of the specifics of the night-vision binoculars request for proposals, but said he would look into it. WATCH | McGuinty says he'll look into request: Defence minister asked about contract terms that only U.S. companies could meet 12 hours ago Duration 1:09 But in a statement, European competitor Photonis said it has "attempted to engage the Government of Canada on this issue a number of times to course-correct the terms" of the request for proposals. "We have yet to receive an appropriate response," said Frédéric Guilhem, Photonis's chief commercial officer of its night-vision department. The company supplies night-vision products to other NATO allies. "This approach is clearly contrary to Prime Minister Carney's directive to closer integrate defence procurement and production with Canada's allies in Europe," Guilhem said. The tender was first posted before the federal election, but has been reposted six times since then. In addition to limiting competition, buying from the U.S. suppliers would mean opting into regulations that allow the U.S. State Department to control arms exports. Neither the Department of National Defence nor Public Services and Procurement Canada responded to questions about why the government chose the specific criteria for the night-vision binoculars. A leading defence expert says it will take time to reorient Canadian military defence procurement away from the United States. "We have not gotten to a space where we're investing 75 cents of every dollar in the U.S. market by accident," said Dave Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. "There's a bunch of structural conditions that have led to us spending a lot of those dollars in those places." Perry said those conditions include a longstanding policy direction from the federal government that the Canadian military work as closely as possible with the Americans. Of Canada's allies, the United States has the largest defence industrial base.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
THEON accelerates strategic expansion in the Baltic Region
THEON representatives with Latvian Ministry of Economy at Baltic Optronics PRESS RELEASE Bloomberg (THEON:NA) / Reuters ( July 2025 – Theon International Plc (THEON), a leading global manufacturer of night vision and thermal imaging systems, today announces a significant acceleration of its strategic footprint in the Baltic defense market through a renewed collaboration in Estonia and a pivotal investment in Latvia. These moves underscore THEON's commitment to enhancing European defense resilience and strategic autonomy. Firstly, THEON proudly announces the continuation of its collaboration with the Estonian Center for Defense Investment (ECDI) of the Ministry of Defense. THEON and ECDI signed a new agreement for supplying advanced night vision systems to the Estonian Defense Forces (part of orders that have already been announced), reinforcing a vital partnership in the region. Secondly, in a landmark move to bolster its European production capabilities and presence in the region (in alignment with mid-term Capex guidance), THEON launched a strategic investment in 'Baltic Photonics', the Riga-located Latvian subsidiary of "Harder Digital". This investment marks the first phase in establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility focused on the production of critical Image Intensifier Tube (IIT) components, starting with MCP (Multi Channel Plate). The facility will also provide essential assembly and maintenance services for THEON's end-products destined for the Baltic states. The new facility, which has been supported by the Latvian Ministries of Economy and Defense, will concentrate on: manufacturing critical components, strengthening the supply chain for European IIT producers localizing assembly of THEON's advanced electro-optical end-products to optimize responsiveness to Baltic states' market demands expanding production capabilities to include new opto-electronic products for the broader European market. Gabriel Robolis, THEON's Regional Director of Business Development, commented: 'This dual milestone in Estonia and Latvia is a testament to THEON's unwavering commitment to strengthening Europe's defense industrial base. By expanding our production capacity and deepening our regional footprint, we are reducing time-to-market and equipping Europe with cutting-edge technology, contributing to the continent's defense resilience and autonomy.' Picture: THEON representatives with Latvian Ministry of Economy at Baltic OptronicsFor inquiries, please contact: Investor RelationsNikos MalesiotisE-Mail: ir@ +30 210 6772290 Media ContactElli MichouE-Mail: press@ Tel: +30 210 6728610 About THEON GROUPTHEON GROUP of companies develops and manufactures cutting-edge night vision and thermal Imaging systems for Defense and Security applications with a global footprint. THEON GROUP started its operations in 1997 from Greece and today occupies a leading role in the sector thanks to its international presence through subsidiaries and production facilities in Greece, Cyprus, Germany, the Baltics, the United States, the Gulf States, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Singapore and South Korea. THEON GROUP has more than 200,000 systems in service with Armed and Special Forces in 71 countries around the world, 26 of which are NATO countries. ΤΗΕΟΝ ΙΝΤΕRNATIONAL PLC has been listed on Euronext Amsterdam (AMS: THEON) since February Attachments Press Release_Baltics 04.07.2025 2 THEON representatives with Latvian Ministry of Economy at Baltic OptronicsError while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Sustainability Times
07-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Humans Can Finally See in the Dark': This Stunning Scientific Breakthrough Just Changed the Future of Night Vision Forever
IN A NUTSHELL 🌙 Chinese researchers have developed innovative contact lenses that allow humans to see in the dark by converting infrared light into visible light. have developed innovative contact lenses that allow humans to see in the dark by converting infrared light into visible light. 🧪 These lenses incorporate nanoparticles and are made from biocompatible polymers , requiring no external power source. and are made from , requiring no external power source. 🔬 Tests on mice and humans show the lenses can detect infrared signals and even improve vision when eyes are closed. and even improve vision when eyes are closed. 🌟 Potential applications include surgery, encryption, counterfeit detection, and aiding individuals with color blindness. Have you ever imagined seeing in the dark without the aid of a flashlight or night vision goggles? This long-standing human fantasy might soon become a reality, thanks to a groundbreaking invention by Chinese researchers. Scientists from Hefei University of Science and Technology have developed contact lenses that enable night vision by converting infrared light into visible light. Although these lenses are not yet available for public use, the potential applications are vast and transformative. In this article, we explore the science behind this innovation, its potential applications, and the current limitations that need to be overcome. The Science Behind Seeing in the Dark The ability to see in the dark has long been the province of certain animals and fictional characters. For humans, it is typically an impossible feat without specialized equipment like infrared goggles. The human eye can only detect light within a narrow spectrum of approximately 400 to 700 nanometers, known as visible light. Infrared light, on the other hand, falls between 800 and 1,600 nanometers, making it invisible to the naked eye. To bridge this gap, Hefei University researchers have developed contact lenses incorporating nanoparticles capable of absorbing near-infrared light and converting it into visible light. These lenses are crafted from soft, biocompatible polymers, similar to commercial contact lenses, and they do not require any external energy source. This innovation allows the wearer to see in the dark seamlessly, transforming the invisible into the visible. 'Earth Is Not Unique Anymore': Harvard Scientists Reveal Countless Earth-Like Planets Lurking in Distant Galaxies A Promising Yet Imperfect Technology Testing of these innovative lenses has been conducted on both mice and humans. In mice, the pupils contracted in response to infrared light, and brain activity was noted in visual processing areas. Human participants wearing the lenses could detect blinking infrared signals and discern the direction of incoming infrared light. Interestingly, infrared vision improved when participants closed their eyes, as infrared light penetrates eyelids more effectively than visible light. Despite these promising results, the technology remains imperfect. Currently, the prototypes excel at detecting intense infrared light but struggle with detailed vision. This limitation arises from the proximity of the lens to the retina, which also explains why traditional infrared goggles currently provide superior results. 'Einstein Was Right All Along': This Atomic Clock on the ISS Is Putting General Relativity to Its Ultimate Test Potential Applications Across Various Fields Researchers are actively working to enhance their technology, particularly in improving the sensitivity of the nanoparticles. These lenses could benefit diverse fields such as surgical interventions, encryption and cryptography, and even counterfeit detection. They hold promise for assisting individuals with color blindness by converting certain infrared wavelengths into visible colors, potentially improving color perception. The possibilities are indeed exciting. Imagine surgeons performing intricate procedures in low-light environments or security personnel detecting hidden threats in the dark. The technology could also revolutionize the way we perceive the world, offering a new dimension to visual experiences. 'A Tower of Death Rose From the Sea': This 43-Foot Wave in 2020 Shattered Physics and Terrorized the Scientific World Challenges and the Road Ahead While the potential of these lenses is vast, significant challenges remain. The current prototypes need further refinement to enhance detail detection and reduce blurriness. Researchers aim to improve the nanoparticle sensitivity to expand the range of detectable infrared light and facilitate clearer vision. Despite these hurdles, the progress made so far is encouraging. Continued research and development could soon lead to a commercially viable product that may change how we interact with our surroundings. As the world waits for these lenses to become available, the question remains: What other transformative innovations could be on the horizon in the realm of human vision? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (24)
