US Marines to field Next Generation Handheld Targeting System in FY24
NGHTS is an innovative, man-portable targeting system. (Photo USMC)
Acquired in February 2022, the Next Generation Handheld Targeting System will allow Marines to rapidly and accurately conduct target location and laser guidance during combat operations.
In order to increase the precision of its troops on the battlefield, the US Marine Corps (USMC) plans to begin fielding in FY24 the Next-Generation Handheld Targeting System (NGHTS).
Result of years of market research, technology maturity and miniaturisation, it is an innovative, man-portable targeting system that will allow Marines to rapidly and accurately conduct target location and laser guidance during combat operations.
Weighing less than 10lb (4.5 kg), this rugged solution uses a high accuracy multilayer azimuth capability while reducing exposure and lowering the overall signature.
Lighter and less bulky than past targeting systems, NGHTS features a selective availability anti-spoofing module GPS, a celestial day and night compass, a digital magnetic compass, a laser designator and a laser range finder.
Aligning with the Force Design 2030 guidelines, NGHTS will combine the capabilities of the four systems into one handheld: the Portable Lightweight Designator Rangefinder, Joint Terminal Attack Controller Laser Target Designator, Enhanced Joint Terminal Attack Controller Laser Target Designator, and Thermal Laser Spot Imager.
The USMC contracted Northrop Grumman in February this year to provide the NGHTS in a $252 million IDIQ production agreement.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Milrem expands partnerships as it outlines NATO eastern flank defence plans]()
Eurosatory 2026: Milrem expands partnerships as it outlines NATO eastern flank defence plans
In the past three months Milrem Robotics has signed cooperation agreements with Hanwha, EOS Defence Systems and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and at Eurosatory 2026 with CNIM Systèmes Industriels and Frankenburg Technologies. The deals come as the company develops its Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS]()
Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS
Both Thales and GDELS shone a spotlight on their uncrewed and counter-drone efforts at Eurosatory 2026, highlighting the integration of mature technologies with stable C2 systems that are open to agnostic additions and expansion.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV]()
Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV
At Eurosatory 2026, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) are front and centre of IDV’s display, with a new variant of the Viking and the new CL2X on show.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Recovery, reconnaissance, autonomy and air defence shape land systems developments]()
Eurosatory 2026: Recovery, reconnaissance, autonomy and air defence shape land systems developments
New recovery vehicles, reconnaissance platforms, autonomous fire-support systems and short-range air-defence capabilities on display at Eurosatory 2026 highlighted how land forces are adapting to evolving battlefield requirements.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Ukraine drives European artillery renaissance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Ukraine drives European artillery renaissance
European governments have ordered nearly 1,400 self-propelled howitzers and more than 400 multiple-launch rocket systems since 2022 as lessons from Ukraine reshape long-range fires requirements across the continent.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Nordic CV90 contract to be signed this year as best offer submitted]()
Eurosatory 2026: Nordic CV90 contract to be signed this year as best offer submitted
The four-nation Nordic Programme to buy BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 MkIV tracked vehicles is an ambitious effort for the partner countries to buy almost identical vehicles and is worth billions of dollars.
