By admin 
Sensor technology leader HENSOLDT has announced three cutting-edge optronic systems for the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank and PUMA infantry fighting vehicle. These innovations integrate digital vision, thermal imaging, and AI-powered video processing, significantly enhancing reconnaissance, targeting, and combat capabilities under the most challenging conditions. By advancing visual precision, these systems improve situational awareness and accelerate decision-making in dynamic combat environments.
The newly introduced systems—ATTICA GL Digital, PERI RTWL Digital, and WAO Digital—bring a new level of accuracy and reliability to defense optics by combining direct vision optics with state-of-the-art digital sensors. This blend of technologies enhances the quality of images and extends operational range, giving commanders and operators a tactical edge. AI-supported video processing and scanning, along with long-wave infrared (LWIR) and medium-wave infrared (MWIR) thermal imagers, enable optimal target recognition in adverse weather and poor visibility, ultimately boosting protection for vehicles and their crews.
Key Optronic Innovations
- ATTICA GL Digital – Designed specifically for the Leopard 2A8, this thermal imaging system offers gunners enhanced image quality across both medium and long infrared wavelengths, facilitating rapid target acquisition. Its pairing with the PERI RTWL Digital sight ensures uniform, high-performance capabilities for both gunners and commanders across the Leopard 2A8 fleet.
- PERI RTWL Digital – This stabilized periscope system, developed for Leopard 2A8, PUMA, and Boxer vehicles, offers commanders precise target acquisition in all visibility conditions. Its combination of glass optics with full HD cameras boosts performance in day and night operations, providing a stabilized 360-degree view suited for both distant and close-range engagements.
- WAO Digital – A panoramic electro-optical system for the PUMA and Boxer RCT30, WAO Digital is built for precision in adverse conditions. It features high-resolution infrared and daylight sensors with continuous zoom, fully stabilized to ensure sharp targeting and observation, meeting NATO standards for seamless integration with other defense systems.
The development of these systems reflects HENSOLDT’s commitment to supporting modern defense needs. Tanya Altmann, Head of the Optronics & Land Solutions division at HENSOLDT, stated, “In view of the current threat situation, modern combat operations require not only high-performance digital systems, but also secured production capacities. We are meeting these challenges by developing future-proof supply chains and scaling production capacities. The new optronic systems for the Leopard 2A8 and the PUMA provide the Bundeswehr and other LEOBEN nations with long-term planning security, increased performance and maximum operational readiness.”
As HENSOLDT continues to refine these technologies, the Leopard 2A8 and PUMA platforms remain at the forefront of modern combat readiness, equipped to deliver tactical superiority across a wide range of operational scenarios.
Edited: Katerina Urbanova
Photo Credit: Hendsoldt