What Instro Precision does

Instro Precision Limited is a UK-based designer, manufacturer, and system integrator of electro-optical sensors and precision mechanical subsystems serving military and commercial markets. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in a 3,100m² Centre of Excellence at Sandwich, Kent, the company operates four product pillars: Soldier Systems and Special Forces (XACT family of night vision goggles NV32/NV33/NV35/NV36 and clip-on thermal weapon sights TH68/TH70); Target Acquisition and Joint Fires (iFires integrated targeting system, Rattler XR laser target designator, Aion C thermal camera, LRF-ITA); Electro-Optical Surveillance Systems (ROSS remote observation system, Spectro-XR multi-spectral ISTAR payload); and Precision Systems (digital goniometers, motorized pan-and-tilt heads, north-finding modules, and specialist tripods). Manufacturing leverages Class 7/8 cleanrooms, CNC machining, environmental stress screening, and a 6-axis hexapod for precision assembly.

The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK, which is itself a subsidiary of Israeli parent Elbit Systems Ltd, and operates under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and JOSCAR defense supplier certifications. Instro generates revenue primarily through direct hardware sales to the UK Ministry of Defence and allied NATO militaries, OEM integration of its subsystems into larger defense platforms, and through-life support contracts. Approximately £30m of XACT NVG contract value was accumulated over the trailing two years, with products fielded across more than 50 countries. Go-to-market relies on direct enterprise sales, exhibitions such as Future Soldier Technology and Vietnam Defence Expo, and defense trade publications. Customer concentration is high, with named end users including the British Army, UK MOD DE&S, and NATO forces in Germany, the Netherlands, and Israel.

Name

Instro Precision

Legal name

Instro Precision Limited

Website

https://instro.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Instro Precision is a UK-based manufacturer and system integrator of electro-optical sensors, night vision systems, target acquisition equipment, and precision mechanical subsystems for military and commercial customers. Founded 1964, it operates as a subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK, serving UK MOD, NATO forces, and OEMs across 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Electro-Optical Sensors & Precision Support Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors & Targeting Systems (IMABAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fire Control Systems & Weapon Control Electronics (IMABAGAI), Precision Strike & Fire Control Systems (IMABAOAE), Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors) (IMAGAJAF)

Keywords

• Electro-optical sensors
• Night vision goggles
• Thermal weapon sights
• Target acquisition systems
• Precision pan tilt systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Sandwich

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Electro-Optical Sensors: Direct sale of manufactured electro-optical sensor products including night vision goggles, thermal weapon sights, target acquisition systems, precision tripods, and pan & tilt systems to military and commercial customers
2. System Integration Services: Engineering services for integration of electro-optical sensors into customer platforms including armoured vehicles, surveillance systems, and target acquisition setups
3. Through-Life Support & Maintenance: Ongoing support, repairs, and maintenance services for delivered products including spare parts and technical support

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Instro Precision designs, manufactures, and integrates electro-optical sensors and precision support equipment for military and commercial customers. Its core offering spans four product pillars — soldier night vision systems and thermal weapon sights (XACT NV32/33/35/36 and TH68/70), target acquisition and joint fires systems (iFires, Rattler XR, Aion C, LRF-ITA), electro-optical surveillance systems (ROSS, Spectro-XR), and precision support platforms including digital goniometers, motorised pan & tilt heads, north-finding modules, and tactical tripods. The company also provides system integration engineering and through-life support services for its delivered equipment.

Product overview

Instro Precision is a leading supplier and system integrator of military and commercial electro-optical sensors, operating as a subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK. The company offers four interconnected product pillars: (1) Soldier Systems & Special Forces - featuring the XACT family of night vision goggles (NV32, NV33, NV35, NV36) and thermal weapon sights (TH68, TH70); (2) Target Acquisition & Joint Fires - including iFires integrated targeting system, Rattler XR laser target designator, Aion C thermal camera, and LRF-ITA; (3) Electro-Optical Surveillance Systems - comprising the ROSS remote observation system and Spectro-XR multi-spectral ISTAR payload; and (4) Precision Systems - the core product line including digital goniometers (Thor), motorised pan and tilt heads (Mantis, Wasp, Hornet, D2), manual pan and tilt units (Maxi, Mini PT, Mini Fine Adjust), north-finding solutions (Samos solar compass, Mamos digital magnetic compass, Ermos gyro compass), and specialist tripods (Groundmaster, Heavy Duty, Medium Duty, Meerkat Fine Adjust, Trilite). Products are designed for defence and security applications across 50+ countries, with manufacturing based in Sandwich, Kent, UK.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• XACT NV33 Industry-leading micro-binocular night vision goggle delivering high resolution and crystal-clear images under adverse conditions. UK MoD in-service NVG with tilt-to-activate feature and integrated IR laser illuminator. Weighs 450g with 40° field of view. Operationally proven with British Armed Forces.
• XACT NV32 Image-intensified monocular night vision system with robust aluminium body weighing 210g. Features adjustable head-tilt shut-off, weapon-mountable option, external power source connector. In service with Netherlands Armed Forces.
• XACT NV35 Micro compact monocular night vision system for military and law enforcement, weighing 260g. Provides high-resolution imagery in all weather and reduced visibility conditions.
• XACT NV36 Micro compact low-weight binocular night vision system weighing 540g, 400–900nm spectral band, ≥40° FOV. Stereoscopic vision under adverse conditions for military applications.
• XACT TH68 Clip-on thermal weapon sight for sniper applications with advanced communications capabilities. Built on a shutter-less/NUC-less thermal engine with integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• XACT TH70 High-performance modular uncooled clip-on sniper thermal weapon sight for rifles up to 0.5" calibre. Shutter-less/NUC-less thermal engine, built-in video recorder, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, >8h runtime on AA batteries. Human detection 2000m, vehicle 3400m.
• iFires Integrated Targeting System Advanced integrated targeting system with modular open architecture. Bundles targeting computer with digital mapping, precision goniometer unit, and tripod. Supports GPS, resection, and multiple north orientation methods; compatible with leading EO sensors.
• Rattler XR Laser Target Designator Network-enabled laser target designator for close air support and joint fire support. Hand-held man-portable unit with built-in laser see-spot and spillover alert. Typical effective range 10km with STANAG 3733 designation support.
• Aion C Thermal Imaging Camera Advanced long-range handheld lightweight thermal imaging camera (2.2kg) with target acquisition and see-spot capabilities. Day/night fusion algorithm, integrated laser rangefinder and laser pointer.
• LRF-ITA Laser Range Finder with Integrated Targeting Application Laser Range Finder integrated with a targeting application, used for target acquisition and joint fires operations by dismounted soldiers.
• Remote Observation Surveillance System (ROSS) Complete wired or wireless remote observation surveillance solution. Features Ethernet for high-speed data/video transmission, split-screen display for up to four remote stations, digital map display, and 1000m wireless control range. Bundled with Trilite tripod and Hornet motorised pan & tilt head.
• Spectro-XR Multi-Spectral ISTAR System Ultra-long-range multi-spectral electro-optical ISTAR payload system providing 20-inch payload performance in 15-inch form factor. Day/night multi-spectral imaging combining multiple optical channels with HD sensors, advanced lasers, and very high stabilization for land, naval, fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms.
• Thor Digital Goniometer Lightweight digital goniometer for alignment-critical applications. High-resolution encoders with better than 0.06° accuracy, full circle azimuth range, fine adjust mechanisms in both pan and tilt. Supports up to 12kg payloads with optional cable-less interface.
• Mantis Motorised Pan & Tilt High-performance motorised pan & tilt with high payload capacity and up to 50°/s axis speed. Optional gyro stabilisation, azimuth slipring, IP67 sealing. Available in L and U configurations.
• Wasp Motorised Pan & Tilt Medium-capacity high-performance motorised pan & tilt with up to 60°/s axis speed. Gyro stabilisation, auto tracking, marine-environment options. Supports 1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet with Ethernet/RS422 control.
• Hornet Motorised Pan & Tilt Instro's lightest and most compact motorised pan & tilt unit, goniometer-sized. Up to 10°/s high-speed version, RS422 communications, built-in tripod interface, low magnetic signature for digital magnetic compass payloads.
• D2 Pan & Tilt Motion Control High-accuracy motion control pan & tilt with high-speed, high-accuracy motion and line-of-sight stabilisation. Supports 14kg top mount or 25kg side mount payloads, dual 1000Base-T IP streaming, up to 4 analogue video channels, modular gyro stabilisation.
• Maxi Pan & Tilt Heavy-duty fine adjust pan & tilt head with 25kg nominal payload capacity. Backlash-free fine adjust drive mechanism, precision quick release interface, environmental sealing for surveillance and photographic tasks.
• Mini PT (The Mini Pan & Tilt) Ultra-lightweight manual pan & tilt head for general-purpose support of cameras and electro-optical equipment up to 10kg. Independent axis brakes, quick-release mechanism, interfaces common to Thor and Hornet ranges.
• Mini Fine Adjust Pan & Tilt Lightweight pan & tilt fine adjust head with axis damping and fine adjust mechanisms in both axes. Viscous damping, circular level bubble, full ±45° tilt range, IP67 sealing, digital magnetic compass compatibility.
• Meerkat Fine Adjust Tripod Compact lightweight tripod with integrated pan & tilt unit and independent axis braking. Line-of-sight fine adjust mechanism in both axes, unrestricted coarse pan range, ±45° coarse tilt range.
• Trilite Tripods Ultra-lightweight tripod family in carbon fibre or aluminium. Independently adjustable leg angles and lengths, suitable for military observation, border surveillance, and hand-held sensors. Available in compact, medium, or high operating heights.
• Groundmaster Tripod Heavy-duty tripod for applications requiring stability and torsional stiffness up to 250kg payload. High-strength aluminium construction, ground anchor capability, three fixing holes for semi-permanent payload installation.
• Medium Duty Tripod Lightweight commercial tripod with 50kg nominal payload. Independently adjustable leg angle and telescopic leg sections for wide operating height range on uneven surfaces.
• Heavy Duty Tripod High-strength industrial tripod with 100kg nominal payload. Independently adjustable leg angles, telescopic leg sections, interchangeable feet for various terrain types.
• Samos Solar Compass All-mechanical solar compass module for target acquisition systems. Uses sun alignment during day and celestial references at night. Lightweight and compact, requiring no additional cables or batteries.
• Mamos Digital Magnetic Compass Digital magnetic compass module providing azimuth reference to within 0.5°. Lightweight and compact with smart interface, no additional cables or batteries required. Optimised for dismounted forces.
• Ermos Gyro Compass Sensor Gyro-compass orientation sensor module providing accurate azimuth reference to True North. Compact hand-held solid-state design. Accurate reference after 3 minutes, approximate reference within 20 seconds.
• SupervisIR Electro-Optical Surveillance System Electro-optical surveillance system listed within Instro's electro-optical surveillance product category.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6-month lead time for rapid delivery of XACT NVGs to British Army
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• SMi Group (Future Soldier Technology)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Silver sponsor of Future Soldier Technology 2022 conference. Presented on dismounted situational awareness and next-generation soldier systems. Critical forum for defense industry networking and technology showcase.
• Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021UK MOD's procurement arm conducting First Article Inspections for XACT NVG contracts and overseeing delivery approvals to British Army. Representatives visit Instro facility to approve initial deliveries.
• Elbit Systems UKflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1964Instro Precision is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK. As part of the Elbit Systems family, Instro leverages the parent company's global defense technology portfolio and distribution network while maintaining operational independence as a UK-based manufacturer. Martin Fausset serves as CEO of Elbit Systems UK, with Dagan Yogev as Managing Director of Instro.
• UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1964Long-standing strategic relationship with UK MoD dating back to 1960s. Supplied tripods for Rapier air defense system and goniometer assemblies for Spyglass thermal imaging system. Currently prime supplier for XACT night vision goggle programs. DE&S oversees contract management and First Article Inspections.
• UK Government Sharing in Growth (SiG) ProgrammecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected for UK Government's Sharing in Growth funding and development programme in late 2021, supported by regional growth fund. Programme supports British aerospace and defense companies driving innovation and local employment.
• Elbit Systems (Parent Company)flagshipTechnology or IntegrationInstro manufactures XACT night vision products under license from Elbit Systems. The company serves as UK manufacturing hub for Elbit Systems UK contracts, including the XACT NVG programme for British Armed Forces.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Teledyne FLIR Defense: Major supplier of thermal imaging, unmanned sensor systems and EO/IR payloads to defense. Comparable to Instro's thermal weapon sights, multi-spectral ISTAR payloads and surveillance platforms.
• Hensoldt: German defense electronics company supplying radars, ISTAR payloads, EO/IR sensors and military optics. Comparable across ISTAR/surveillance (Spectro-XR equivalent) and military optics product spaces.
• Leonardo S.p.A. Italian defense prime with substantial EO/IR, sensor and targeting portfolio including surveillance platforms and weapon sights. Overlaps Instro's ISTAR/surveillance and targeting product categories.
• Thales Optronics (Thales Group): Thales's optronics division produces military EO/IR sensors, weapon sights, NVGs (Catherine) and goniometers for the British and allied militaries — a broad incumbent covering the same customer set with deeper R&D resources.

Direct peers

• Meopta: Czech precision optics manufacturer producing military optical sights, target acquisition systems, goniometers and night vision components. Closely overlaps Instro's combination of night vision, targeting optics and precision engineered subassemblies.
• Wilcox Industries Corp. US-based supplier of soldier-borne optical mounts, night vision devices, laser aiming modules and weapon accessories to military and special forces. Directly comparable to Instro's Soldier Systems & Special Forces product pillar and Precision Systems (pan/tilt, mounts) line.
• Optics 1 (Safran Optics 1, formerly ELCAN Specter): Safran subsidiary making advanced weapon sights (ELCAN Specter), integrated soldier optics, and target acquisition optics for allied defense forces. Directly comparable to Instro's XACT thermal weapon sights and target acquisition line.

Others

• Excelitas Technologies: Photonic components and OEM optical modules provider including for night vision and EO defense subsystems. An enabling component supplier / technology comparable adjacent to Instro's optoelectronic sensor manufacturing.

Emerging players

• Norotos: US maker of night vision helmet mounts and shrouds for SOF and conventional forces. Comparable niche player in soldier-worn NV ecosystem alongside Instro's Soldier Systems line.
• Exosens (formerly Photonis): Specialist manufacturer of image intensifier tubes and low-light imaging components integral to NVGs. Comparable at the night vision component/sensor layer of Instro's XACT ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/instro-precision-limited
• Xx.com/InstroLimited

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Instro Precision