The invention relates to a target illuminator (1) for night-vision technology, comprising a laser source (2), the radiation power of the laser source being at least 15 mW, in particular from 100 to 500 mW, and the laser source being formed for emission of radiation having a wavelength λ of from 700 nm to 1400 nm, and a second optical system (4) for the divergent emission of the radiation. Furthermore, the target illuminator (1) has a first optical system (3) arranged down-circuit of the laser source (2) and before the second optical system (4) and intended for increasing the beam cross-section before entry into the second optical system (4) to a diameter of at least 5 mm and for guiding the beam into the second optical system (4). The angle of divergence (10) of the emitted radiation can be varied in a defined manner, the variability being limited for ensuring a minimum divergence.