Lockheed secures $233m for infrared tracking systems

Lockheed Martin has received a $233 million contract to deliver its IRST21 Block II infrared search and track systems to the US Navy and Air National Guard, according to the company.

The firm-fixed-price agreement covers full-rate production of the Block II variant and includes initial spares. The system, known as IRST21 (Infrared Search and Track), is designed to detect and track airborne targets at long range without relying on radar, providing pilots with enhanced situational awareness in contested airspace.

Lockheed Martin said the upgraded Block II version features improved optics, faster processing and advanced algorithms that extend detection range and accuracy, supporting beyond-visual-range missile engagements. The contract follows the US Navy’s declaration of Initial Operational Capability for IRST21, paving the way for the system’s wider deployment.

Cristin Stengel, Lockheed Martin’s IRST21 programme director, said the upgrade represents “a game-changing leap in passive warfighting capabilities across multiple platforms.” She added that the system “ensures pilots remain ahead of evolving adversaries and mission-ready at all times.”

On the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, IRST21 is mounted on the front of the aircraft’s centreline fuel tank, complementing the AN/APG-79 radar and allowing the jet to remain effective in radar-denied or heavily jammed environments. For the F-15 and F-16, the system is housed within the Legion Pod, a modular, externally mounted unit that integrates seamlessly with fourth-generation fighters.

Lockheed Martin said the IRST21 operates entirely passively, meaning it emits no detectable signal and is highly resistant to electronic interference. The company added that this capability gives pilots an advantage in engagements where stealth, reaction time and survivability are critical.