QinetiQ to play pivotal role in US Army’s next-generation target acquisition system
The LRAS3, seen here in service with Georgia National Guard, is expected to be replaced by FALCONS. (Photo: Georgia National Guard)
The Future Advanced Long-range Common Optical/Netted-fires Sensor (FALCONS) is a next-generation target acquisition system which is designed to provide enhanced all-weather target detection and identification at long range.
QinetiQ US has announced its involvement in the US Army’s FALCONS optical sensor system which is planned to replace the existing Long-Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3).
FALCONS is designed to provide enhanced all-weather target detection and identification at ranges exceeding enemy weapons systems' effective ranges. It will enhance the US Army's battlefield sensing capabilities while supporting its modernisation objectives for 2030 and beyond.
According to QinetiQ, “the FALCONS programme represents a significant advancement in military sensor technology, incorporating artificial intelligence [AI] and potential semi-autonomous capabilities.
Related Articles
DRS Technologies receives $20.3m follow-on order for LRAS3
Raytheon integrates LRAS3 connectivity in recent exercise
“It is designed to reduce soldier workload while improving target detection and recognition.”
The effort is led by the US Army’s Programme Executive Office - Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S).
The office sees the programme as “[leveraging] machine learning and AI to increase the speed and accuracy with which an operator detects, recognises, and identifies threats.
“FALCONS will be a truly paradigm-shifting capability that will enable the army to outpace the threat for many years to come.”
QinetiQ has history with PEO IEW&S dating back to 2016.
Earlier this year the company was awarded a five-year, US$31.5 million task order supporting the office in the the design, development and integration activities for the Integrated Sensor Architecture programme. This contract aims to help support data sharing of sensors seamlessly across battlefield networks.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy]()
Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy
The possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US will cover the system and any related equipment with Lockheed Martin and RTX as primary contractors.
-
![Polaris to unveil new MRZR Alpha base vehicle at Modern Day Marine]()
Polaris to unveil new MRZR Alpha base vehicle at Modern Day Marine
The new platform was designed to provide 1KW of exportable power as standard and has been developed in partnership with the US Marine Corps (USMC).
-
![British Army details Ajax plans]()
British Army details Ajax plans
Of the six variants in the Ajax programme – reconnaissance (Ajax), reconnaissance support (Ares), C2 (Athena), equipment repair (Apollo), equipment recovery (Atlas) and engineering reconnaissance (Argus) – the Ajax reconnaissance version is now entering service.
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production]()
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
