Kent, 23rd May 2023 – Instro Precision Ltd, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK, welcomed local MP Craig Mackinlay, for the official opening of the brand new state-of-the-art Optic Centre on the 19^th May. 

Instro first moved to their current facility in 2019, and since then have invested significantly in their people, infrastructure and strategy, with the aim of increasing their local footprint.  

The new Optic Centre was opened by the MP for Thanet South, Craig Mackinlay, who highlighted the facility’s importance both as a vital contributor to the UK’s defence capability, but also for the local economy. The new facility has a potential to create additional jobs in the area, reinforcing Instro’s position as a Centre of Excellence in high technology manufacturing, while bolstering skills and innovation in Kent. 

The expansion of this facility represents significant investment from Elbit Systems UK, and alongside many other programmes for the UK MOD, will enable the continued manufacture of XACT Night Vision Goggles, which are deployed extensively across the British Armed Forces. The company is currently delivering a further consignment of Night Vision Goggles to the MOD, and will now start acting as a major export hub for NVGs to our Allies.

About Elbit Systems UK 

Elbit Systems UK Ltd. holds three wholly owned subsidiaries as well as two joint ventures. In total, over 600 personnel are employed by the Elbit Systems UK companies in the UK, in high tech roles in the defence, aerospace and rail sectors. The two joint ventures were formed in order to deliver the Watchkeeper programme for the British Army and to supply and support three fleets of aircraft within the UK MOD Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) programme. Elbit Systems UK is an established supplier to the UK Armed Forces, participating in several major Defence programmes such as MEWSIC Increment 1, and delivering the Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer.