Capable of Countering Enemy Electronic Warfare: US Navy Declares Readiness to Operate IRST21 Sensor on F/A-18 Super Hornet

The U.S. Navy has officially declared initial operational capability for the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Block II system, a next-generation passive sensor developed by Lockheed Martin for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet, Defense Industry reports. The publication notes that this fact gives the U.S. the fleet the ability to detect and track air threats at long range, even in conditions where the actions of assets EW enemy radars may degrade their performance.
- says the publication.
As the US military notes, the passive infrared system increases the survivability of flight personnel, especially in conditions without radar or in conditions of intense electronic warfare, when traditional radar sensors can be disabled.
" said PMA-265 program manager Captain Michael Burks.
The publication recalls that the IRST21 Block II system represents the second phase of an evolutionary acquisition approach. Block I, introduced in 2011, integrated the existing IRST system into the F/A-18 fuel tank and entered service with the fleet in early fielding in 2019. Block II features an improved sensor, upgraded processor, and advanced software, with first operational fielding scheduled for 2025.
– emphasizes the author of the material.
At the same time, American military experts are confident that passive sensing technologies such as IRST21 are transforming air combat by allowing pilots to stay ahead of emerging threats.
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