New Passive EO/IR Capability Enhances US Navy Fleet Protection

L3Harris Technologies’ Shipboard Panoramic Electro-Optic/Infrared (SPEIR) system will be integrated with US Navy destroyers, carriers, frigates, amphibious and landing helicopter assault ships By DA Staff / 09 Jun 2022

Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
New Passive EO:IR Capability Enhances US Navy Fleet Protection
Follow DA

A team led by L3Harris Technologies has been selected to provide the Shipboard Panoramic Electro-Optic/Infrared (SPEIR) system to the US Navy with the aim of providing improved fleet protection. 

The SPEIR program represents a generational leap forward in the use of 360-degree Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) imagery and situational awareness, elevating EO/IR sensors from a dedicated weapons support sensor to a full passive mission solution capability.

The team includes Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems and will provide an L3Harris solution known as SPATIAL that provides a scalable 360-degree EO/IR passive automatic detection and tracking solution, enhancing combat systems and navigation capabilities to the US Navy.

L3Harris will serve as systems integrator and prime contractor, delivering capabilities for mission areas including anti-ship cruise missile defense, counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (cUAS), counter-fast attack craft/fast in-shore attack craft, mobility, anti-terrorism/force protection and operational tasking visual information. This new system is targeted for installation on destroyers, carriers, frigates, amphibious and landing helicopter assault ships to provide a critical warfighting capability.

The program was awarded by the Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) 2.0. The initial $205 million contract has a potential value of $593 million if all options are exercised through March 2031.

“The SPEIR program leverages the technologies demonstrated as part of the Office of Naval Research’s Future Naval Capability effort known as CESARS (Combined EO/IR Surveillance and Response System) and a strong heritage of maritime Electro-Optical Sensor Systems combined with L3Harris internal investment to provide a SPEIR capability to the fleet faster, with less risk and cost than other solutions,” said Sean Stackley, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. “Passive persistent surveillance capability is a significant step forward in protecting the surface fleet, safe navigation and force protection by enabling operations in an emissions-controlled environment.”

BAE Systems employs image processing development from CESARS that provides a fully automated image processing detection capability that reduces operator workload.

“BAE Systems is leveraging our expertise in machine learning and automation capabilities to maritime defense systems,” said Frank Crispino, Director of Active Protection Solutions for BAE Systems.

Lockheed Martin brings combat system interface experience to ease integration into existing ship systems.

“The SPEIR program builds on Lockheed Martin’s legacy of proven integrated combat system and electro-optical sensor solutions for PEO IWS,” said Rick Cordaro, Vice President, Lockheed Martin Advanced Product Solutions.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

GA-ASI Invests in Dutch Firms to Advance Defense Innovation After BMN

GA-ASI is set to invest in two Dutch companies following their selection at the Blue Magic Netherlands defense innovation event

Apr 25, 2025
AI-Powered Situational Awareness Platform Launched for Armored Vehicles

Maris-Tech Ltd. has introduced Diamond Ultra, a new integrated AI system designed to improve threat detection and situational awareness in armored fighting vehicles (AFVs)

Apr 25, 2025
Radiofrequency Weapon Disables Drone Swarms in Landmark Army Trial

A UK-developed radiofrequency weapon has successfully downed drone swarms in trials, showcasing a low-cost, high-impact solution to modern aerial threats

Apr 25, 2025
American Standard Circuits’ High-Reliability PCB Services

KT Technical Solutions is highlighting ASC, a vendor and trusted provider of high-performance PCB solutions with a focus on speed, quality, and application-specific expertise

Apr 25, 2025
Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Precision Airdrop System Receives Marketing Approval

ParaZero has received marketing approval from the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s DECA for the DropAir™ Precision Airdrop System, developed in collaboration with Heven Drones

Apr 24, 2025

Featured Content

Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Textron Systems to Support Software & Payload Development for Navy’s MCM USV

Textron Systems is set to support the software development and payload integration for the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), focusing on future mission capabilities and advanced system integration

Apr 14, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.