Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
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
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
-
![October land forces roundup: AUSA dominates as list narrows for new British Army vehicle]()
October land forces roundup: AUSA dominates as list narrows for new British Army vehicle
New counter-drone technologies, autonomous launchers and manufacturing modernisation initiatives highlighted emerging opportunities for defence suppliers, while the UK advanced a major military vehicle procurement programme.
-
![Coming to America: companies look to tap into US with multi-domestic strategy]()
Coming to America: companies look to tap into US with multi-domestic strategy
Non-US companies are increasingly looking to establish subsidiary and partnerships to access the potential billions of dollars of vehicle and land systems contracts and there has already been some success.
-
![Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges]()
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
