Leonardo DRS Secures $579 Million Deal for Cutting-Edge Thermal Targeting Technology

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (“DRS”) declared today that it has secured a contract to manufacture its next-generation thermal weapon optics for the U.S. Army. This firm-fixed-price contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command is valued at $579 million over a five-year period.

The Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) division will create sophisticated Family of Weapons Sights – Individual (FWS-I) systems for the U.S. Army client. Utilizing DRS’ uncooled thermal imaging innovation, the FWS-I serves as an independent, clip-on weapon sight that wirelessly interfaces with helmet-mounted display systems such as the enhanced night vision goggle binoculars (ENVG-B) and the cutting-edge integrated visual augmentation system (IVAS), delivering swift target acquisition abilities to the soldier. This technology empowers users to identify targets both day and night, and in various weather conditions like smoke or fog, offering critical strategic and tactical benefits to military personnel.

The contract was initially granted on April 28, 2022.

“We take pride in our commitment to supplying this state-of-the-art technology, ensuring that our soldiers possess the most sophisticated weapon sight systems on today’s battlefield and into the foreseeable future,” commented Jerry Hathaway, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical Infrared Systems division. “With a rich legacy of delivering advanced Electro-Optic and Infrared (EOIR) technologies to the Army, this accolade will enhance soldier safety and significantly bolster their operational effectiveness,” he added.

At the foundation of this technology lies decades of Leonardo DRS expertise in uncooled thermal weapon systems. The FWS-I employs a proprietary vanadium oxide micro-electromechanical focal plane array that operates without requiring any visible light.

The Leonardo DRS EOIS division is part of the advanced sensing and computing unit, which boasts a substantial installed base throughout the U.S. military. Advanced Sensing technology is a pivotal strategic priority for Leonardo DRS as the company merges its world-leading sensing and computing innovations for the dedicated women and men of the U.S. armed forces.

Manufacturing of the Family of Weapons Sights – Individual will take place at the company’s Electro-Optical Infrared Systems facility located in Melbourne, Florida.