Themal Camera Included in Finnish System Test

Thales announced on 8 June that the Finnish Defence Forces have recently conducted a successful live firing of the CROTALE NG (New Generation) short-range air defence system using a CATHERINE XP thermal camera to provide additional effectiveness.

Thales has been providing services, including capability sustainment, to Finland for CROTALE NG for over 30 years. Part of the long-term sustainment of the system’s optronic target acquisition and tracking capability has been the acquisition of a new thermal camera – the CATHERINE XP. In its optronic mode, CROTALE NG provides decision support to operators: the performance parameters of the new camera help provide the Finnish user with a dependable real-time image that is immediately available, so that operators can make the best decision and act accordingly.

The test firing, with a VT1 missile, conducted at a Finnish Defence Forces training range, demonstrated the capabilities of CROTALE NG equipped with the CATHERINE XP camera. It proved the accuracy and robust performance of a system that is fully consistent with the requirements of the Finnish Defence Forces as it fulfils its mission of protecting civilian populations and deployed forces.
This latest evolution maintains the development momentum of the CROTALE NG multi-sensor SHORAD system, further enhancing its proven combat performance.