- Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) has received an order for more than 400 SharpView Dual Camera – Minerva imagers to modernize U.S. Marine Corps combat vehicles with advanced dual-band vision capabilities.
- The Minerva system combines thermal and visible imaging capabilities in a single compact sensor, helping Marines navigate even more safely and efficiently, day and night, and to detect obstacles faster, including under severely degraded operating conditions (such as dust, smoke, darkness…).
- Backed by more than 30 years of expertise in cooled and uncooled thermal imaging technologies, Thales supplies more than 50-armed forces around the world with combat-proven solutions that are globally recognized for their ability to protect crews, enhance vehicle performance, and ensure operational readiness.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI), a U.S. subsidiary of Thales, has received an order for more than 400 SharpView Dual Camera – Minerva imagers for U.S. Marine Corps combat vehicles.
The award advances the Marine Corps’ modernization of Amphibious Combat Vehicle Personnel (ACV-P) and Command (ACV-C) variants by augmenting legacy camera systems with advanced dual-band imaging technology. By combining thermal and visible imaging capabilities into a single compact sensor, Minerva helps crews maintain image quality and situational awareness in conditions where traditional cameras can struggle, including darkness, dust, smoke, glare and adverse weather.
This certification facilitates MEO use on the company’s proven parabolic terminal into a field-upgradable, multi-orbit system, offering users an upgrade kit to quickly switch between Geostationary and MEO satellite constellations based on mission requirements. The upgrade delivers low-latency, high-throughput performance along with enhanced communications resilience and operational flexibility.
The certification reflects Thales’ continued investment in engineering innovative solutions and partnerships that bring interoperability, modulatory and adaptability to SATCOM platforms. With more than 2,000 1.3m terminals deployed across the U.S. Army and Special Operations Command, the Raider Vanguard upgrade kit provides a cost-effective, future-ready solution to enhance and extend the value of current systems.
“Marines depend on cutting-edge and robust technology to make rapid decisions in highly demanding and dynamic environments. The Minerva camera delivers a significant operational advantage by giving crews a more complete picture of the battlefield, helping them identify hazards sooner, maneuver more effectively, and operate with greater confidence. By leveraging a mature, proven solution, the Marine Corps can quickly field these enhanced capabilities without the time, cost, and risk associated with developing a new system.”
– Chris Beauparant, Vice President, Sensors and Missile Systems, Thales Defense & Security, Inc.
The SharpView Dual Camera – Minerva is designed specifically for modern combat vehicles and integrates seamlessly into existing platforms. Its rugged, military-grade design supports continuous operation in often extreme environments while providing clear, real-time imagery that helps crews maintain awareness and respond effectively in a constantly changing environment.
The choice of Minerva for Marine Corps combat vehicles reflects a growing demand for technologies that deliver greater battlefield awareness and improved survivability for deployed forces. Minerva has also been selected for evaluation and testing as part of the U.S. Army’s XM30 program, which aims to modernize next-generation combat vehicles with improved crew protection and situational awareness.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies. Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion..
About Thales in the USA
For more than a century, Thales has delivered proven, trusted and secure solutions to customers across the United States. The company brings a strong national footprint and a deeply skilled workforce dedicated to anticipating and exceeding customer needs. Backed by extensive manufacturing capabilities, Thales works closely with customers and local industries to solve complex challenges for every operational environment.
PRESS CONTACTS
Thales, Media Relations
Thales Defense & Security, Inc.
Paul D. Mehney
+1 (240) 957-1387
paul.mehney@thalesdsi.com
Thales, Media Relations
North America
Jennifer Tumminio
+1 (240) 957-1387
jennifer.tumminio@thalesgroup.com
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