U.S. Army award illustrates DRS’ strategy to deliver advanced Family of Weapon Sights, soldier connectivity and mission-ready sensing capability at the tactical edge
ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 13, 2026 — Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced today that it has received a $63 million production order from the U.S. Army for its next-generation Family of Weapon Sights – Individual, or FWS-I, thermal weapon sight system. The order was placed under the Army’s existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, or IDIQ, contract for advanced, battlefield-proven, thermal weapon sight systems supporting dismounted soldiers.
FWS-I is a lightweight, uncooled thermal imaging system designed to wirelessly integrate with solider-worn vision devices, including the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle–Binocular, or ENVG-B, and the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS. This wireless connection allows soldiers to view thermal imagery from the weapon sight through their helmet-mounted display, enabling rapid target acquisition without needing to shoulder the weapon. Maintaining situational awareness provides a critical advantage in complex, high-threat environments.
“Modernization at the tactical edge depends on giving soldiers the information they need without adding unnecessary complexity,” said John Baylouny, president and chief executive officer of Leonardo DRS. “The FWS-I production order reflects the Army’s continued focus on advanced sensing, connected soldier systems and mission-ready capability. DRS is proud to support that mission by delivering practical technologies designed to help soldiers detect threats, make decisions faster and Own the Edge™.”
As adversaries employ more sophisticated concealment techniques and operate in low-visibility conditions, thermal weapon sights can help soldiers identify and assess potential threats across a range of operational environments, including urban terrain, dense foliage, smoke, fog and darkness. at close and extended ranges. FWS-I uses thermal imaging to help soldiers detect heat signatures in conditions where camouflage, lighting, or weather may reduce the effectiveness of traditional visual observation.
“This cutting-edge technology ensures soldiers will have the most advanced weapon sight systems on the battlefield today,” said Jerry Hathaway, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical Infrared Systems. “FWS-I combines advanced uncooled thermal imaging with soldier-worn display integration to help improve target acquisition and situational awareness for dismounted soldiers. We are proud the U.S. Army continues to trust DRS to deliver this vital capability that enhances survivability and effectiveness in multi-domain operations.”
FWS-I features uncooled infrared technology designed to provide rugged thermal imaging performance without the need of cryogenic cooling. Its clip-on design provides flexibility for use across multiple weapon platforms. The wireless link to soldier-worn systems ensures speed, accuracy, and situational awareness without compromising mobility.
The award builds on DRS’s long-standing relationship with the U.S. Army and its experience in electro-optical and infrared, or EO/IR technologies. In addition to FWS-I, DRS provides a broad range of EO/IR technologies supporting mounted and unmounted operations, airborne platforms, and aircraft survivability.
