1 August 2025
Release # 25-08
Contact: Brandon Pollachek Brandon.j.pollachek.civ@army.mil
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. – The U.S. Army Product Manager Ground Sensors (PM GS) has entered into Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements to engage with Leonardo DRS, Elbit America, Inc., and QinetiQ Inc. for Phase 0 to support the specification development of the Future Advanced Long-range Common Optical/Netted-fires Sensor (FALCONS).
This agreement is for a 12-month Period of Performance with the anticipation that future phases (1-4) will be awarded with an additional POP of 54 months.
The value of Phase 0 is expected to be approximately $2,000,000 for each vendor.
FALCONS is set to replace the aging Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3), which has been in service for over two decades. The program integrates cutting-edge commercial technologies with advanced military sensors, including the Army’s third-generation Forward-Looking Infrared (3GEN FLIR) system.
Designed for both mounted and dismounted operations, FALCONS pinpoints targets with the precision needed to support a wide range of Army and Joint munitions—whether precision-guided, near-precision, or conventional. Its networked architecture directly connects Scouts and Fire Supporters, accelerating coordination and shortening the kill chain.
Product Manager for Ground Sensors Lt. Col. Ryan Welch said FALCONS will revolutionize how Soldiers see the battlefield.
“FALCONS will provide our Warfighters with the next generation of reconnaissance and fires sensors, enhancing our lethality and survivability on the battlefield. Leveraging the Army’s 3GEN FLIR sensor, FALCONS will more than double the range of its predecessor, LRAS3. This, combined with artificial intelligence advancements for target detection and recognition, will ensure Army dominance and overmatch against any threat on the battlefield,” Welch said.
Phase 0 consists of FALCONS technology maturity assessments, preliminary system model development, system specification review, and Soldier feedback opportunities.
“This initial phase will allow the Army and our industry partners to collaboratively establish the FALCONS prototype’s foundation before bending any metal. During Phase 0, the Army will be able to set the conditions for a prototype development phase that will maximize competition and ensure an incredible warfighting capability is affordable and delivered to our Soldiers,” Welch said.
FALCONS will replace the LRAS3 and Fires Support Sensor System (FS3) systems starting in FY32 for support of scout and fires missions.