This article takes a look at Meprolight’s recent contract win in Southern Europe. It puts that win into the bigger picture of the company’s tech philosophy, product strategy, and where it’s headed in military electro-optics.
It’s interesting how a single riflescope program can shine a light on larger shifts in infantry optics, integration, and what today’s soldiers really need out there.
Meprolight’s Contract Win and Its Strategic Importance
Meprolight, an Israeli electro-optics company founded in 1990 and now part of the SK Group, just landed a big contract. They’ll equip the armed forces of a Southern European country with their MVO 1-8×28 low-power variable optic (LPVO).
This deal really cements Meprolight’s reputation as a trusted supplier of rugged, battle-tested optics for militaries working in all sorts of challenging places.
The military’s choice of the MVO 1-8×28 shows there’s a real trend toward optics that can handle both close-quarters and mid-range fights. That kind of flexibility is more important than ever as infantry find themselves moving from tight city streets to open, mountainous ground—sometimes in the same day.
MVO 1-8×28: A Combat-Grade LPVO
The MVO 1-8×28 meets MIL-SPEC standards. It’s built tough, with a 34-mm main tube, and the whole thing is waterproof and fogproof.
At its core, you’ll find SCHOTT multi-coated German glass that delivers over 92% light transmittance. That means you get clarity even when the light’s low or the contrast is rough.
From the operator’s side, the scope keeps eye relief steady and the eye box forgiving. The wide field of view helps you stay aware of what’s happening around you, which is honestly critical.
The illuminated reticle lets you pick between red and green, with eight brightness settings. It’s night-vision compatible and has a 12-hour auto-shutoff to save battery—small details, but they matter in the field.
Enhancing Operational Effectiveness
Low-power variable optics like the MVO 1-8×28 help you switch magnification quickly. That means you can go from close-in to intermediate targets without missing a beat.
Windage and elevation adjustments are easy to verify and repeat, even when conditions are rough.
These features help with:
A Broader Electro-Optics Portfolio
Meprolight doesn’t just do riflescopes. Their lineup covers everything from metal iron sights to night-vision goggles and laser designators.
This range lets them supply military customers with complete solutions. They also serve as an OEM for their sister company, Israel Weapon Industries (IWI).
They’ve got a long-standing infrastructure and a skilled workforce. That kind of support helps them keep up with changing demands across different platforms.
The Ongoing Role of Sights and Power Management
Even with all the advances in electro-optics, old-school metal sights aren’t going away. Some folks still use them as their main aiming solution, while others keep them as a backup, just in case.
Meprolight points out that red dot sights are usually better on shorter weapons. They make it easier to find your target fast, and they’ve got a solid track record for durability.
Choosing between co-witnessed systems and standalone red dots? That mostly comes down to user preference. Platform, environment, budget, and training doctrine all play a part in what ends up on the rifle.
Future Focus: Efficiency Over Expansion
Looking ahead, Meprolight wants to sharpen its focus on electro-optics. The team doesn’t seem interested in branching out into unrelated sectors.
Batteries will stick around as a necessity for advanced optics. Still, the company is really pushing to cut power consumption by designing more efficient components and circuits.
Solar charging or swapping out batteries entirely just isn’t realistic for military gear yet. Instead, they’re leaning into small, steady improvements at the system level to boost reliability and performance out in the field.
Here is the source article for this story: Interview with Golan Kalimi, Senior Vice-President at Meprolight: the point on military optics