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The Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $270 million contract to enable the F-22 Raptor with next generation infrared threat detection sensors, according to a company news release issued today.
The new capability, called the Infrared Defensive System, comes with a fresh suite of distributed TacIRST sensors to enhance F-22 survivability and lethality. TacIRST refers to Lockheed-made Tactical Infrared Search and Track long-range sensors to fend off severe threats or conduct reconnaissance.
"We understand the need for advanced and versatile infrared systems like IRDS that will make pilots' missions more survivable and lethal against current and future adversaries," Hank Tucker, vice president of Missions Systems at Lockheed Martin, said in a statement. "We're committed to supporting the Air Force through continuous innovation of capabilities to deter and defeat evolving threats."
The Air Force in recent budget cycles has sought to retire Block 20 F-22 jets, stating the cost-prohibitive older platforms would not be survivable in a fight with China and lack the combat-rated capabilities already integrated in newer Block 30 and 35 models.
Congress has so far prevented the service from retiring the Block 20 fighters early, citing it would decrease readiness and create operational gaps. A legal sunset already exists for the aged Raptors in fiscal year 2027.
"Lockheed Martin is proud to continue partnering with the Air Force on essential modernization efforts for the Raptor, leveraging our expertise in fifth-generation aircraft and air dominance systems to integrate capabilities that ensure uninterrupted U.S. air superiority today and into the future,” Justin Taylor, vice president of the F-22 program at Lockheed Martin, said in a statement.