HGH hosts the first edition of « Electro-Optical Horizons », dedicated to the TOD Method
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HGH hosts the first edition of «Electro-Optical Horizons», dedicated to the TOD Method
Paris, October 8th 2026 – HGH hosted the first edition of Electro-Optical Horizons on October 8th at its headquarters, bringing together international experts from industry, research and defence around the TOD (Triangle Orientation Discrimination) method for thermal imaging testing.
In a context where modern thermal imagers increasingly rely on advanced image processing and AI, making the traditional MRTD method less applicable. Following the withdrawal of the 1995 NATO standards in October 2024, the TOD method has emerged as a relevant alternative. It provides a more objective thermal contrast measurement and a more accurate detection-range evaluation. HGH has implemented this method in its Infratest software for over 10 years.
The event aimed to create a space for experts to share their experience and discuss how thermal imaging equipment can be tested and characterized more precisely. As a company working at the intersection of testing equipment, software and thermal imaging, HGH also aims to act as a facilitator, bringing together the scientific and industrial community around the development of new testing approaches.
A highlight of the event was the presentation by Dr. Piet Bijl, who developed the TOD method, giving participants the opportunity to hear directly from one of the key figures behind the method and discuss its practical implementation.
The day combined technical presentations and practical demonstrations. Uwe Adomeit from Fraunhofer IOSB and Moran Le Port from DGA Techniques Aéronautiques shared their approaches to TOD measurements. HGH also presented a live TOD measurement using its Infratest software and IRCOL test bench, as well as its roadmap for further developing the method within Infratest.
The afternoon focused on the wider promotion of TOD method, including the DEPHi project between HGH and IOGS, comparisons between TOD and MTDP curves, and approaches of TOD curves based on NETD and MTF. The day concluded with a round-table discussion on the future of thermal imaging testing.
The first edition of Electro-optical Horizons was a success, with active discussions and exchanges between participants throughout the day.
“With this event, HGH wanted to bring together the different players working on thermal imaging testing and create a space for scientific and technical exchange. The goal is to help develop more accurate and relevant ways of testing equipment,” said Catherine Barrat, Head of Electro-Optical Testing at HGH.
Following this successful first edition, HGH is already looking forward to the next Electro-Optical Horizons in 2027 !
About HGH
Founded in France in 1982, HGH has become a world leader in infrared technology, specializing in the design, manufacture, and marketing of advanced electro-optical systems and sensors for industrial, defense, and security applications. Driven by continuous innovation, HGH combines expertise in infrared technologies and proprietary artificial intelligence to deliver high-performance surveillance.
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Coline Veyrinas
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HGH was awarded by Airbus Defence and Space
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HGH was awarded by Airbus Defence and Space to supply OGSE blackbodies for the Copernicus program
IGNY, France – April 16, 2026 – HGH, a recognized expert in electro-optical and infrared solutions, announces a supply of several high precision vacuum-compatible blackbodies to the LSTM (Land Surface Temperature Monitoring) mission. As part of the Copernicus program, two Earth observation satellites are developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) on behalf of the European Commission (EC) with a first launch scheduled in 2028. This mission aims to improve the monitoring of land and coastal surface temperatures in order to, among others, support agricultural management and environmental services.
The LSTM satellites will be equipped with high-precision optical instruments capable of making observations in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), and thermal infrared (TIR) spectral bands. They will enable surface temperature measurements that significantly improve on current capabilities.
Before launch, space instruments must be tested and characterized under conditions that replicate the space environment. For these vacuum tests, the prime contractor Airbus Defence and Space uses an optical bench called INSTOB (INSTrument Optical Bench), which is part of the optical ground support equipment (OGSE).
For this purpose, HGH has been selected by the Prime Contractor Airbus Defence and Space and ESA to supply two vacuum-compatible blackbodies and their spare parts for characterizing and calibrating the thermal infrared instrument. Among these high uniformity reference sources, a vacuum-compatible blackbody will simulate terrestrial radiation (Scene blackbody), and another one will simulate space radiation (Deep Space blackbody). This equipment makes it possible to generate extremely accurate thermal references, thereby ensuring the reliability of measurements taken in orbit.
Since 2005, HGH vacuum-compatible blackbodies have been integrated into OGSE of several major players in the space industry to their Assembly Integration, Verification and Testing (AIVT) processes.
The LSTM mission confirms HGH’s ambition to accelerate its development in the demanding space sector and contribute to Earth observation missions dedicated to major climate and environmental issues.
By contributing to this mission, HGH confirms its commitment to developing benchmark technologies for space innovation and environmental protection.
About HGH:
Pioneer in electro-optical technologies since 1982, HGH develops advanced optical testing solutions for optronic systems and provides high precision equipment, unparalleled technical support and measurement services. These cutting-edge infrared and visible test equipment range from blackbodies, integrating spheres sources and laboratory collimators or integrated test benches for workshops. All are driven by the comprehensive INFRATEST software. HGH solutions offer to camera manufacturers, research labs, detector and core manufacturers and test centers around the world the most reliable and independent test results allowing them to meet the highest industry standards and innovate in their areas of expertise.
Press Contact
Karine Sebbah
Communications Project Manager
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HGH announces the signing of several major contracts with Thales
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HGH announces the signing of several major contracts with Thales for a total amount of €50 million for Ground-Based Air Defense
IGNY, France – March 11, 2026 – HGH, a recognized expert in electro-optical and infrared solutions, announces the signing of several new contracts with Thales, a leading technology provider. These contracts, representing a total value of approximately €50 million cover a large number of SPYNEL units, confirming HGH’s expertise in infrared technology and software for defense and security applications.
As part of these contracts, Thales ordered several SPYNEL-X infrared panoramic cameras intended to be integrated into VSHORAD (Very Short-Range Air Defense) systems.
SPYNEL-X sensors and their advanced CYCLOPE video analysis software, enhanced by HGH’s proprietary artificial intelligence, enable the automatic detection and tracking of low-altitude aerial targets. Combined with Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) such as VSHORAD, they provide enhanced protection for critical assets against constantly evolving threat technology, including fast and stealthy solutions like autonomous or tethered drones.
One of these contracts is part of a major new air defense program with a leading European player, illustrating the confidence placed in the cutting-edge technology developed by HGH. HGH’s SPYNEL-X solution integrates seamlessly with Thales’ air defense systems, effectively contributing to the fight against aerial threats, including attack drones. This unique solution developed by HGH is also expected to be adopted in several other countries worldwide to enhance air security and for the surveillance of sensitive civilian sites.
The integration of HGH’s SPYNEL-X panoramic thermal cameras into Thales’ air defense systems represents a major advancement in air defense capabilities. Equipped with a GAIA Air artificial intelligence module, the SPYNEL-X solution enables the detection of low-radar-signature aerial threats through the analysis of their thermal signature. This synergy effectively complements existing radars, while preserving the unique features of the SPYNEL system, designed to operate completely independently of radars.
Thanks to its completely passive operation, SPYNEL technology offers a key advantage in the field of electronic warfare: it enables discreet aerial surveillance, without detectable electromagnetic emissions, ensuring the operational continuity of air defense systems, while remaining portable and rapidly deployable, allowing for great tactical flexibility.
«These contracts mark a significant milestone in the structuring of HGH and its strategic role in protecting states and their airspace. They reflect our long-term vision and are the culmination of over 40 years of continuous technological innovation» Vincent Leboucher, President, HGH
«These contracts confirm the major role of infrared panoramic surveillance as a passive solution for airspace protection, and solidify HGH’s leading position. They also foreshadow even more promising opportunities» Cyril Marchebout, Sales Director, HGH.
About HGH:
Founded in France in 1982, HGH has become a world leader in infrared technology, specializing in the design, manufacture, and marketing of advanced electro-optical systems and sensors for industrial, defense, and security applications. Driven by continuous innovation, HGH combines expertise in infrared technologies and proprietary artificial intelligence to deliver high-performance surveillance.
Press Contact
Karine Sebbah
Communications Project Manager
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HGH Announces Strategic Collaboration with UNIFY.C2
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For Immediate Release
UNIFY.C2 Integrates HGH’s SPYNEL X to Expand Advanced Infrared Detection and Tracking Capabilities for Counter-UAS and Airspace Security
New collaboration brings HGH wide area surveillance, passive MWIR sensor technology into the UNIFY.C2 single-screen command-and-control platform, delivering enhanced detection, tracking, and situational awareness for defense, government, and critical infrastructure operators
Igny — January 30, 2026 — UNIFY.C2, the next-generation airspace command-and-control and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) software platform developed by SPS Aerial Remote Sensing (SPS ARS), today announced a new collaboration with HGH, a global leader in infrared imaging and surveillance solutions. Through this partnership, HGH’s SPYNEL X panoramic IR camera, using advanced mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies, is now integrated into the UNIFY.C2 platform, expanding multi-sensor detection, tracking, and threat assessment capabilities within a unified operational interface.
The integration enables UNIFY.C2 operators to ingest, correlate, and visualize real-time infrared data from HGH alongside existing RF, radar, acoustic, and other sensor inputs. This enhanced fusion delivers improved detection of low-observable aerial threats, including small and non-cooperative unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), while strengthening 24/7 situational awareness across complex operational environments.
“Integrating HGH’ SPYNEL into UNIFY.C2 significantly expands our ability to deliver persistent, multi-phenomenology airspace awareness through a single operational picture,” said Anthony Lim, COO at UNIFY.C2. “HGH’s infrared expertise complements our open-architecture approach, giving operators greater confidence in detection, tracking, and decision-making across day, night, and adverse conditions.”
HGH’s infrared technologies are widely deployed in defense, border security, critical infrastructure, and maritime surveillance missions worldwide. By integrating these systems into UNIFY.C2, customers gain seamless access to high-fidelity IR data and imagery without adding operator burden or fragmented user interfaces.
“This collaboration with UNIFY.C2 allows our SPYNEL wide area surveillance solution to operate as part of a fully integrated, sensor-agnostic command-and-control ecosystem,” said Marcel Naujok, VP & General Manager at HGH USA. “Together, we are enabling security operators to detect and assess aerial threats faster and more effectively through a unified, mission-driven platform.”
UNIFY.C2 is purpose-built to integrate and fuse best-in-class sensors and effectors into a single, scalable software environment. The addition of HGH’s SPYNEL further strengthens UNIFY.C2’s role as a central integration layer for Counter-UAS, airspace security, and multi-domain awareness missions across defense, government, and critical infrastructure markets.
About UNIFY.C2
UNIFY.C2, developed by SPS Aerial Remote Sensing (SPS ARS), is a next-generation airspace command-and-control platform delivering real-time fusion intelligence, multi-sensor integration, and advanced Counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities. Purpose-built for defense, government, public safety, and critical infrastructure protection, UNIFY.C2 unifies sensors and effectors into a single, interoperable operating environment—providing operators with precise, actionable situational awareness at mission speed.
Designed to detect, identify, track, assess, and respond to emerging UAS and multi-domain threats, UNIFY.C2 delivers unparalleled operational clarity through a scalable, intuitive interface that supports both tactical and enterprise-level deployments. For more information visit: www.UNIFYC2.com
About HGH
HGH is a global leader in infrared imaging and surveillance technologies, delivering advanced solutions for defense, security, border protection, maritime surveillance, and critical infrastructure monitoring. With decades of operational experience, HGH are trusted worldwide to provide reliable detection and situational awareness in the most demanding environments. For more information visit: www.hgh-infrared.com
Media Contacts
UNIFY.C2
Molly Risak
Marketing Director
HGH USA
Marcel Naujok
VP & General Manager