Thales Canada has announced that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will acquire the Thales Sophie Ultima long-range handheld thermal imager, marking the first contract awarded under Canada’s Night Vision Systems Modernization (NVSM) project. This significant development will enhance the operational capabilities of the Canadian Army with advanced technology and resilient navigation.
The Sophie Ultima is a lightweight, handheld thermal imager designed to perform exceptionally in challenging operational environments. Featuring a high-performance infrared channel, it offers NATO tank recognition range performance of up to 6 kilometres. Its continuous optical zoom and wide 20° field of view allow operators to maintain visual contact with targets throughout the detection, recognition, and identification phases, facilitating rapid and precise engagement.
Thales will manufacture and maintain the Sophie Ultima at its Canadian Electro-Optics Centre of Excellence, further bolstering Canada’s defence industrial base. This initiative is expected to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth while expanding Thales’s existing supply chain within Canada. Additionally, the Thales Optronics facility in Montreal will provide comprehensive in-service support, ensuring the CAF has access to a dedicated repair facility that minimizes equipment downtime.
“Thales is committed to delivering advanced, reliable, and locally supported solutions like the Sophie Ultima,” said Benoit Plantier, Vice President, Optronics, Missile Electronics and Unmanned Air Systems at Thales.
This contract award underscores Thales’ commitment to Canada, emphasizing significant local industrialization, skills development, and training in Quebec, while enhancing the technological capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces
