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Navy Awards $233 Million IRST21 Block II Production Contract to Lockheed Martin

Independent testers have cited reliability shortfalls that remain a program risk.

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An F/A-18 Super Hornet equipped with a Block II Infrared Search and Track prepares for its first flight with the long-range sensor. The passive sensor, which provides aircrew with enhanced targeting, will be delivered with Super Hornet Block III aircraft and is at the front of the centerline fuel tank. (Photo: U.S. Navy)

Overview

  • The firm-fixed-price award covers full-rate production units and initial spares for U.S. Navy and Air National Guard aircraft.
  • Block II adds modern optics, advanced processors, and refined algorithms to extend detection range and accelerate targeting for beyond-visual-range engagements.
  • The award follows the Navy’s November 2024 initial operational capability and a summer decision to proceed to full-rate production after schedule slips.
  • GAO and DOT&E reported a mean time between mission failures of about 14 hours versus a 40-hour requirement during operational testing.
  • A Navy spokesperson previously said the software defect that triggered false overheat warnings and delayed flight tests has been resolved.