Lockheed Martin secured a $328.5 million contract through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to provide the Taiwan Air Force with IRST21 Legion-ES systems, infrared search and track sensors capable of operating passively.
The agreement provides for the delivery of the Legion-ES version of the IRST21, a long-wave infrared sensor designed to detect and track aerial targets at long distances without the need for active signal emissions, reducing the aircraft’s exposure and increasing discretion during operations.
According to the manufacturer, the configuration was specifically developed for integration with F-16 fighters, providing a fully embedded IRST capability integrated with the aircraft’s systems, enhancing performance in surveillance and air combat missions.
Lockheed Martin emphasizes that the system is expected to improve pilots’ situational awareness, accelerate decision-making, and increase survivability in threat scenarios. The company also highlighted that the technology relies on extensive accumulated experience, with more than 300,000 flight hours recorded on various platforms equipped with the brand’s infrared sensors.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @LMNews | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
.@LockheedMartin has been awarded a $328.5M contract to deliver IRST21® Legion‑ES sensors to be placed on F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft. These embedded long‑wave IRST boost pilot situational awareness, decision speed & survivability. Click below: ⬇️
— Lockheed Martin News (@LMNews) February 6, 2026
