VIGO Photonics' focal plane array wins DEFENDER award at the 33rd International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce

PRESS RELEASE

Ożarów Mazowiecki, September 8, 2025

VIGO Photonics S.A. (WSE: VGO), a global manufacturer of advanced photonic detectors and mid-infrared detection modules and semiconductor materials, presented a cooled thermal imaging focal plane array at the MSPO Fair. The development and implementation of the entire manufacturing process for this modern infrared detector was recognized by the DEFENDER Award Competition Committee, which includes members of the Program Council, among them logistics managers from the Polish Army and various ministries.

The International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce is one of the most important events in Europe and worldwide, aimed at representatives of the defense industry, military decision-makers, and industry experts. VIGO Photonics participated in the fair for the sixth time. However, this year was special for the company – during the fair, a letter of intent was signed with CRW TELESYSTEM-MESKO S.A. concerning the development of modern optoelectronic solutions in rocket and ammunition technology. VIGO also signed another agreement with PCO S.A. concerning the creation of new solutions for the Polish army, which will use photonic integrated circuits (PIC) currently being developed by the company.
On the last day of the fair, the company, together with PCO S.A., received the DEFENDER award for the KMW-3V thermal imaging camera with a cooled Eagle 4 infrared sensor. These sensors are a key component of most military systems, especially those that require high precision. They can be used in thermal imaging cameras in combat vehicles or missile guidance system warheads.

- The development and implementation of the cooled focal plane arrays production process allows us to take our rightful place among the elite group of only a few countries capable of carrying out this process independently. Cooled matrices will be used in numerous programs and equipment for the Polish Army, including as part of the Technical Modernization Plan of the Polish Armed Forces (PMT). Within the PMT alone, thermal imaging systems will be used in the BWP BORSUK, CBWP, KTO ROSOMAK, and Leopard tanks. This means that several thousand infrared matrices will be needed for the entire plan. We accept this award with great pride and joy, delighted that our product has gained such recognition among defense experts - emphasizes Adam Piotrowski, President of the Management Board of VIGO Photonics S.A.

The project to develop and implement cooled thermal imaging matrices is currently one of the most important activities carried out by VIGO Photonics. It aims to reduce dependence on imports and secure the supply chain for such key components. The initiative involves the development and production of matrices compatible with cameras currently used by the military, as well as the launch of a full-scale production line with a minimum capacity of 500 units per year.

This will not only make it possible to replace the matrices that have been imported so far, but also to significantly diversify supplies. At the same time, research and development work is being carried out to further increase technological capabilities, from improving resolution (reducing the so-called pixel pitch) and miniaturizing pixels, to shortening cooling and readiness times, and developing Polish readout circuits (ROIC). Another important area of development is the adaptation of detectors to state-of-the-art cooling systems (Joule-Thomson coolers), used, among other things, in precision missile guidance.

-The development and implementation of fully Polish cooled  focal plane arrays is a milestone in building the security and technological independence of our country. The project is in line with the assumptions of the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Poland and responds to the priority research directions in the Ministry of National Defense. Having our own technology means not only security of supply and independence in the field of photonics, but also greater freedom of export and an impulse for further development of innovation in Polish industry. It also represents a real strengthening of defense, allowing for faster detection and recognition of threats, better assessment of the situation, and more accurate decision-making - adds Adam Piotrowski.

At the national level, VIGO detectors have been used for many years as components of laser radiation detection systems in Polish military equipment. On the European market, VIGO products are used in artillery shells known as Smart Munition. Thanks to built-in sensors and guidance systems, these advanced shells are capable of autonomously detecting, identifying, and attacking targets, especially armored ones. VIGO Photonics holds a license issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration for the production of military equipment, which opens up further opportunities for development, including on international markets.

About VIGO Photonics

VIGO Photonics S.A. (WSE: VGO) is a global manufacturer of advanced mid-infrared detectors, dedicated modules and semiconductor materials. VIGO technology is used by customers from all over the world - from industry, through transport and medicine, to the security and defense sector. VIGO detectors have been tested even in the most demanding conditions - on Mars, where they were found on board the Curiosity rover in the NASA mission. The company has been operating since 1987 and has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange since 2014. It employs about 200 outstanding specialists and scientists. The company's headquarters is located in Ożarów Mazowiecki, and its subsidiary operates in the United States.

More information:

www.vigo.com.pl

www.linkedin.com/company/vigo-photonics

Media contact:

Piotr Piotrowski, CC Group

piotr.piotrowski@ccgroup.pl, +48 697 613 010

Karolina Sałajczyk-Stefańska, VIGO Photonics 

ksstefanska@vigo.com.pl, +48 538 565 256