Leonardo DRS Contract for Advanced Infrared Weapon Sights for Army Snipers

Asian forces training with US Army in the region will soon see the latest of the next-generation weapon sights for snipers as the service is gradually equipped with the technology.

Leonardo DRS has received a new contract to produce its next-generation infrared weapon sights for US Army infantry snipers. The firm-fixed-price contract from the Army’s Contracting Command is valued at more than $94 million over five years.

Under the contract, Leonardo DRS will produce the advanced system known as the Family of Weapon Sights – Sniper, Improved Night / Day Observation Device Block III. The advanced infrared weapon sight is designed for sniper or reconnaissance operators that require extended range target detection and identification, observation of environmental indicators, and a capability to track bullet trajectory.

“We are proud to provide this technology to ensure soldiers have the most advanced systems available,” said Jerry Hathaway, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical Infrared Systems business. “We have a long history of supplying the Army with advanced electro-optic and infrared technologies, and this award highlights our customer trust in our market-leading Family of Weapon Sights.”

At the core of the technology is decades of Leonardo DRS experience in the micro-cooled infrared weapon systems field, a company statement said June 8. The Family of Weapon Sights-Sniper employs a passive, micro-cooled, mid-wave infrared technology designed to provide the user with large-format imagery to maximise the effectiveness of the mission. –ln/adj/mgm (Pix: Leonardo DRS)