The Army has selected Leonardo DRS [DRS] and
Elbit Systems of America [ESLT] for a competitive prototyping effort to develop the next generation of its hand-held precision laser targeting system.
The two firms will work over the next 30 months on building prototypes for the Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) II, with Leonardo DRS as the incumbent manufacturer for the currently fielded JETS capability.
“We are proud to have built on the success of our JETS I technology to provide the most comprehensive hand-held target location system available today. By working closely with our customer and listening to their needs, we have delivered a product that gives users a distinct advantage on the battlefield,” Jerry Hathaway, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS’ electro-optical and infrared systems business unit, said in a statement. “Leonardo DRS is known for its leading position in advanced sensors and sensor systems, and we are excited to continue this relationship with the U.S. Army over the next several years.”
Leonardo DRS was awarded a $339 million contract in December 2016 to produce the JETS 1 targeting system, which provides Army forward observers with the capability to engage targets with precision munitions and provide digital connectivity to request call-for-fire (Defense Daily, Dec. 16 2016).
“The JETS II system improves upon and adds enhanced technologies for the users, significantly reducing weight and improving precision accuracy making the system a battlefield multiplier,” Leonardo DRS said in a statement.
Elbit America said it will work on JETS II prototype system development and qualification at its Merrimack, N.H. facility, adding its offering is “designed to make targeting easier and more precise and able to provide faster effects on targets.”
“Elbit America has been a leading provider of lightweight targeting systems for two decades and we have captured all of that experience and expertise into JETS II,” Erik Fox, the company’s vice president of warfighter systems, said in a statement. “Now, Forward Observers in the U.S. Army can operate with exceptional mobility, lethality, and survivability, no matter where the battle takes place. Responding to soldier feedback on such systems, we are designing a prototype lightweight JETS II system so it can be carried and effortlessly set up, shaving precious time off the targeting process in the field.”