Leonardo DRS, a provider of advanced technology solutions for the defence and intelligence markets, has secured a significant contract from the U.S. Army for the continued production of its next-generation thermal weapon sights. This $117 million order, awarded under the Family of Weapon Sights – Individual (FWS-I) IDIQ contract, underscores the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to support the nation's warfighters.

The Family of Weapon Sights program is a crucial initiative for the U.S. Army, aimed at equipping soldiers with advanced thermal capabilities across various weapon systems. The FWS-I, a component of this program, is a state-of-the-art Clip-On infrared weapon sight that offers unparalleled performance in both day and night conditions.

The FWS-I's exceptional thermal imaging technology enables soldiers to maintain situational awareness and effectively engage targets in challenging environments, such as smoke, fog, and darkness. This capability significantly enhances their survivability and operational effectiveness on the battlefield. The sight's Rapid Target Acquisition (RTA) feature further streamlines target acquisition and engagement, particularly in close quarters combat, by reducing the time required to identify and engage threats.

At the heart of the FWS-I lies decades of experience in uncooled infrared weapon systems. The sight incorporates a proprietary high-sensitivity vanadium oxide (VOx) focal plane array (FPA), which ensures reliable operation even in low-light conditions. Unlike traditional infrared sensors, the FWS-I does not require visible light to function, eliminating the risk of glare or shutdown when exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, the sight operates silently and emits minimal heat and radio frequency (RF) energy, making it ideal for covert reconnaissance missions.

The FWS-I's modular design offers flexibility and versatility, allowing it to be configured for use as a standalone sight or in conjunction with a Day View Optic (DVO) on a wide range of weapons. This adaptability ensures that the sight can meet the diverse needs of different units and missions.

“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 DRS’s Electro-Optical Infrared Systems business. “We are proud the U.S. Army recognizes us as a trusted partner to continue to deliver this vital technology to our warfighters.”

Leonardo DRS's commitment to providing advanced technology solutions for the U.S. military extends beyond the FWS-I. The company has a long history of delivering electro-optical and infrared technology to support the nation's armed forces. With a focus on advanced sensing capabilities, Leonardo DRS continues to develop innovative solutions that enhance the capabilities and safety of American troops.