Lockheed Martin Secures $233M Navy IRST21 Block II Contract

Lockheed Martin has secured a $233 million contract to provide IRST21 Block II systems and initial spares to the U.S. Navy and Air National Guard.

What are the Details of Lockheed’s IRST21 Block II Contract?

The global defense technology company said Monday the firm-fixed-price contract initiates full-rate production of its infrared search and track, or IRST, sensor. Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business unit will deliver 59 infrared receivers, 20 inertial measurement units and 45 processors.

The company will perform the work primarily in Orlando, Florida, with additional efforts in Santa Barbara, California; Ocala, Florida; and Archbald, Pennsylvania. The contract is scheduled for completion by September 2029.

The Naval Air Systems Command will allocate $156.5 million in fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement funds, $46.2 million in working capital, and an additional $30.6 million from fiscal 2024–2025 National Guard and Reserve Equipment funds.

What Is IRST21 Block II?

Lockheed Martin’s IRST21 Block II is an advanced IRST sensor designed to passively detect and track airborne threats from long distances. The long-wave infrared system is equipped with sharper optics, faster processors and smarter algorithms that enhance situational awareness and support long-range missile targeting. This enables warfighters to detect targets faster, make timely decisions, and boost their operational preparedness and responsiveness.

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