Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $328.5 million Foreign Military Sales contract by the U.S. government for the production of IRST21 Legion-ES sensor systems, supporting a recent FMS agreement with the Taiwan Air Force.
The award marks a significant milestone in the export of advanced airborne sensing capabilities, with Taiwan becoming the first international partner to receive the Legion-ES IRST21 configuration. The system is designed for integration on the F-16 and is intended to complement overall aircraft performance through enhanced passive detection capability.
Next Generation
IRST21 is Lockheed Martin’s next generation infrared search and track sensor, operating as a long wave infrared system capable of passively detecting and tracking airborne targets at extended ranges. Unlike radar, the system does not emit signals, enabling aircraft to identify and monitor threats while reducing their own detectability.
The embedded Legion-ES configuration is fully integrated within the aircraft architecture, providing high accuracy tracking and improved target discrimination. According to Lockheed Martin, the capability is designed to increase pilot reaction time and strengthen survivability in contested airspace.
International Milestone
Cristin Stengel, programme director for Lockheed Martin IRST21, said: “This award marks an important milestone as Taiwan becomes the first international partner to receive the Legion-ES IRST21 configuration. This system will bring advanced passive sensing capability to strengthen situational awareness, accelerate decision-making and support our allied air forces.”
The low profile Legion-ES builds on Lockheed Martin’s established IRST heritage, with the company’s infrared search and track systems collectively exceeding 300,000 flight hours. The contract reflects continued U.S. support for allied air defence modernisation through advanced sensor integration.
