Defense giant Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $233 million firm-fixed-price contract to deliver IRST21 Block II systems and initial spares to the U.S. Navy and Air National Guard (ANG).
IRST21 is Lockheed Martin’s next-generation infrared search and track (IRST) sensor capability, a long-wave infrared system that passively detects and tracks airborne targets at extended ranges. The system boosts warfighter situational awareness, cuts decision-making time and keeps armed forces mission-ready, according to Lockheed.
The Block II variant, contracted under this award, features modern optics, advanced processors and algorithms that can increase threat-detection range and provide tracking and targeting data to support beyond-visual-range missile engagements.
This award follows the U.S. Navy’s recent declaration of initial operational capability (IOC) for IRST21, which cleared the path for full-rate production of the Block II variant now entering fleet deployment.
On the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, IRST21 is mounted on the nose of the centerline fuel tank, complementing the aircraft’s AN/APG-79 radar to maintain effectiveness in radar-denied or heavy electronic attack environments.
The IRST21 IOC declaration is a milestone achievement in support of a full-rate production decision of the sensor system following successful flight tests by the navy.
Meanwhile, for F-15 and F-16s, IRST21 is embedded in a ready-now modular, externally mounted Legion Pod, providing ease of transportability and bringing 6th-generation targeting capability to 4th-generation aircraft.
“By significantly enhancing the range and accuracy to enable weapon employment in challenging environments, this system ensures pilots remain ahead of evolving adversaries and mission-ready at all times,” said Cristin Stengel , IRST21 program director for Lockheed Martin.