BAE Systems logs FWS-I production order
BAE Systems is set to begin producing the new Family of Weapon Sights-Individual (FWS-I) thermal weapon sight under a $13.5 million low rate initial production order from the US Army.
The order comes after Milestone C approval following the successful conclusion of contractor- and government-led field testing.
The company will deliver more than 100 weapon sight systems as part of a previously announced five-year contract for the army’s Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III and Family of Weapon Sight-Individual (ENVG III/FWS-I) programme.
The FWS-I solution integrates BAE Systems’ 12-mircon technology, designed to reduce the size and weight of the sight and deliver superior image quality. The uncooled infrared thermal weapon sight allows soldiers to clearly view targets at more than 1,000m away. The clip-on sight can be mounted on an M4 carbine, M16A4 rifle, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, M136 AT4 rifle or M141 Bunker Defeat.
The system can also connect with the ENVG III for reduce target engagement time. Its Rapid Target Acquisition (RTA) Module solution uses a wireless connection to integrate the weapon sight view directly into the soldier’s goggle so targets can be quickly located and engaged from any carry position, without needing to raise the weapon to the eye. This allows soldiers to accurately engage targets while still maintaining full cover.
Marc Casseres, director of imaging and aiming solutions at BAE Systems, said: ‘These advanced weapon sights will allow soldiers to conduct surveillance and acquire targets in any light or weather conditions, increasing mission safety and effectiveness. This production order means that soldiers are one step closer to receiving this mission-critical technology for use in-theatre.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer]()
DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer
Thales launched Storm-H in 2012 as an EW system equipping individual dismounted troops, and a decade later revealed details to develop the improved and more powerful Storm 2.
-
![The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating]()
The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating
Drones and military ground vehicles are increasingly being designed to operate together as a single platform or even to convert crewed systems to automated ones.
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
-
![DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme]()
DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme
AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production and the company is looking for export orders, notably the UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP), to add to a recent approval for Canada to buy vehicles.
-
![DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts]()
DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) to replace thousands of vehicles is in flux as the tender for the Light Mobility Vehicle segment planned for November is set to be missed. IDV Robotics’ Dr Geoff Davis is calling for the UK government to focus broadly on indigenous capability for procurement and to do it faster.
