Lockheed Wins $233M Contract to Supply IRST21 Block II Fighter Jet Tracking Systems to U.S. Navy, Air National Guard

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

The award follows the Navy’s declaration of Initial Operational Capability for the IRST21 system, marking the start of full-rate production and fleet deployment of the Block II variant.

The IRST21 Block II is a long-wave infrared system designed to detect and track airborne targets at extended ranges without emitting radar signals. It combines advanced optics, high-speed processors, and enhanced algorithms to increase threat-detection range and support beyond-visual-range missile engagements.

On the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the IRST21 is mounted on the nose of the centerline fuel tank, complementing the AN/APG-79 radar in radar-denied or heavily jammed environments. For the F-15 and F-16 fleets, it is integrated into the Legion Pod, providing 6th-generation tracking capability to 4th-generation aircraft while operating passively to avoid detection.