Lockheed Martin Awarded $1.7 Billion Contract for Army Targeting and Vision Systems
In early June 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control unit won a roughly $1.735 billion contract modification to produce and sustain the Army’s Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision System (M‑TADS/PNVS). Under this contract, Orlando-based engineers will build and maintain the advanced electro-optical sensors for the AH‑64 Apache attack helicopter. The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal (Alabama) will issue task orders defining work locations and funding, and work under the firm-fixed-price award is expected to run through Dec. 1, 2027. The Department of Defense release specifies that this modification (PZ0001 to contract W58RGZ-23-D-0011) covers production and support of the Army’s M‑TADS/PNVS night vision targeting system.
M‑TADS/PNVS (often called the “eyes of the Apache”) is the U.S. Army’s primary targeting and night-vision system for AH‑64D/E helicopters. It combines an electro-optical daytime sensor and a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera along with a laser designator in a turreted pod beneath the nose of the aircraft. Together, these provide long-range precision engagement, target recognition, and helicopter pilotage in all weather, day or night. The system’s recent modernization includes a new day sensor assembly, an upgraded turret, digital video recording, and modular, line-replaceable assemblies to simplify maintenance. Since its introduction, over 1,200 M‑TADS/PNVS units have been fielded for U.S. and allied Apaches, giving crews vastly improved situational awareness and target acquisition range.
This contract modification will fund continued production of new M‑TADS/PNVS units and sustainment support for existing systems. While the Army has not publicly stated how many sensor suites will be delivered, analysts note that a $1.7 billion award implies a mix of new builds, upgrades, and potential international support work. Lockheed Martin highlights that M‑TADS/PNVS provides Apache pilots with “long-range precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for all weather conditions, day or night.” The U.S. Army ensures its Apache helicopters remain among the most effective attack platforms worldwide by investing in this next-generation targeting system. The award reflects the Pentagon’s commitment to modernize Army aviation as the enhanced M‑TADS/PNVS technology will keep the Apache’s targeting system at the cutting edge of battlefield requirements.