US awards contract to provide night vision sensors to India

WASHINGTON: The US has awarded a military sale contract of $107.8 million to an American global aerospace, defence and security firm to provide India with modernised night vision sensor systems which will help the Indian army destroy adversary threats from extended ranges.

"Our high-performing, reliable sensor system for the Apache helicopter will give Indian Army aviators the ability to acquire, engage and destroy adversary threats from extended ranges," said Mike Taylor, director of international and sustainment programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

"The capability that our sensor provides results in enhanced aircraft survivability, pilot safety and mission success," Taylor said.

The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a $107.8 million foreign military sale contract to provide Modernised Target Acquisition Designation Sight Night Vision Sensor systems to the Indian Army, the company said in a statement.

The contract includes 23 M-TADS/PNVS systems and spares for India, which extends production at Lockheed Martin facilities in Orlando and Ocala, Florida, through 2019.

Fielded in 2005, M-TADS/PNVS provides Apache pilots with long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for safe flight during day, night and adverse weather missions.

The forward-looking infrared sensors' enhanced image resolution enable Apache aircrews to accurately identify targets and provide situational awareness to ground troops outside of detection ranges, it said.

India has become the 15th international customer of Lockheed's modernised target acquisition designation night vision sensor.