A smaller and lighter thermal weapon sight with improved image quality has been introduced by BAE Systems.

The Universal Thermal Clip-On version XII with 12-micron technology is similar to the company's 17-micron Universal Thermal Clip-On that is used by the U.S. military in support of long-range sniper and surveillance missions and can easily move from day vision to night vision use, BAE Systems said.

"This 12-micron-based solution builds on our decades-long history of providing special operations and tactical customers with cutting-edge thermal imaging products," said Marc Casseres, director of Imaging and Aiming at BAE Systems. "Our 12-micron technology, will allow users to detect, recognize, and defeat threats in all weather and visibility conditions, like never before."

The 12-micron technology will be integrated in the future into all the company's thermal imaging products, BAE Systems said.