Leonardo DRS wins US$63 million order for thermal sights

Leonardo DRS has received a $63 million production order from the U.S. Army for its next-generation Family of Weapon Sights – Individual, or FWS-I, thermal weapon sight system. The order was placed under the Army’s existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, or IDIQ, contract for advanced, battlefield-proven, thermal weapon sight systems supporting dismounted soldiers. FWS-I is a lightweight, uncooled thermal imaging system designed to wirelessly integrate with solider-worn vision devices, including the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle–Binocular, or ENVG-B, and the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS. This wireless connection allows soldiers to view thermal imagery from the weapon sight through their helmet-mounted display, enabling rapid target acquisition without needing to shoulder the weapon. Maintaining situational awareness provides a critical advantage in complex, high-threat environments. “Modernisation at the tactical edge depends on giving soldiers the information they need without adding unnecessary complexity,” said John Baylouny, president and chief executive officer of Leonardo DRS. “The FWS-I production order reflects the Army’s continued focus on advanced sensing, connected soldier systems and mission-ready capability. DRS is proud to support that mission by delivering practical technologies designed to help soldiers detect threats, make decisions faster and Own the Edge.” As adversaries employ more sophisticated concealment techniques and operate in low-visibility conditions, thermal weapon sights can help soldiers identify and assess potential threats across a range of operational environments, including urban terrain, dense foliage, smoke, fog and darkness. at close and extended ranges. FWS-I uses thermal imaging to help soldiers detect heat signatures in conditions where camouflage, lighting, or weather may reduce the effectiveness of traditional visual observation. “This cutting-edge technology ensures soldiers will have the most advanced weapon sight systems on the battlefield today,” said Jerry Hathaway, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical Infrared Systems. “FWS-I combines advanced uncooled thermal imaging with soldier-worn display integration to help improve target acquisition and situational awareness for dismounted soldiers. We are proud the U.S. Army continues to trust DRS to deliver this vital capability that enhances survivability and effectiveness in multi-domain operations.” FWS-I features uncooled infrared technology designed to provide rugged thermal imaging performance without the need of cryogenic cooling. Its clip-on design provides flexibility for use across multiple weapon platforms. The wireless link to soldier-worn systems ensures speed, accuracy, and situational awareness without compromising mobility. Leonardo DRS selected for US Army DUTCH initiative Leonardo DRS has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, or DEVCOM, C5ISR Center to support the Delivering Unmatched Thermal Capability Hastened, or DUTCH, initiative. Supported by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, the DUTCH initiative is focused on accelerating the development and transition of next-generation uncooled thermal infrared (IR) sensing capabilities for defense applications. The initiative is intended to advance high-performance, affordable thermal-imaging technology that can support rapid integration across a broad range of platforms and operational environments. Under the award, DRS will demonstrate high-definition, high-frame-rate uncooled thermal camera cores engineered to deliver advanced sensitivity, image quality and responsiveness. Potential applications include unmanned aerial systems (UAS), counter-UAS, missile and rocket seekers, weapon sights, night-vision systems, ground-vehicle sensing and targeting, unmanned surface vessels and other emerging applications. “DRS is committed to meeting the rapidly growing demand for high-performance thermal imaging solutions across the defense enterprise,” said Jerry Hathaway, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems business unit. “Our selection for the DUTCH initiative reflects the depth of our uncooled IR technology portfolio, our understanding of operational needs and our ability to transition advanced sensing capabilities into scalable production.” DRS has established experience in uncooled IR sensing through sustained investment in advanced detector, camera-core and system technologies. The company’s portfolio is designed to provide thermal-imaging performance, size, weight, power and cost, or SWaP-C, advantages for crewed and uncrewed platforms, as well as fixed and mobile systems. The company is also expanding its capacity and resiliency to support increased demand for thermal sensing products. DRS maintains dual-site camera assembly and test facilities in Dallas, Texas, and Melbourne, Florida, and continues to broaden its supply base across key components. This production approach is designed to strengthen supply-chain continuity and support scalable delivery of mission-ready IR sensing products. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]