Lockheed Martin has received a USD 270 million (EUR 257 million) contract from the US Air Force (USAF) to integrate a system of next-generation infrared defensive sensors on the F-22 Raptor air superiority fighter, the company announced on 22 January 2025.
“The F-22 will soon feature a newly developed, distributed set of embedded TacIRST [tactical infrared search and track] sensors developed by Lockheed Martin to enhance aircraft survivability and lethality, known as the Infrared Defensive System (IRDS),” Lockheed Martin stated in a press release. “In addition to managing integration of IRDS on the F-22, the company will also support integration on other platforms,” the company added.
The USAF currently has a fleet of 179 F-22s in its inventory from an original fleet of 187 production aircraft delivered. The fifth-generation fighter, which subsequently was upgraded with air-to-ground capabilities, achieved initial operational capability in December 2005 with the USAF’s 94th Fighter Squadron and the last production aircraft was delivered on 2 May 2012.
Owing to its stealth technologies, the aircraft was banned by the US government from ever being exported.
Speaking of the IRSD contract, Hank Tucker, vice president of Missions Systems at Lockheed Martin, was quoted by the company as saying, “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. We’re committed to supporting the air force through continuous innovation of capabilities to deter and defeat evolving threats.”
Justin Taylor, vice president for F-22 programme at Lockheed Martin, added, “Lockheed Martin is proud to continue partnering with the air force on essential modernisation efforts for the Raptor, leveraging our expertise in fifth-generation aircraft and air dominance systems to integrate capabilities that ensure uninterrupted US air superiority today and into the future.”
