Leonardo DRS Selected to Advance Next-Generation Uncooled Thermal Infrared Sensing for U.S. Army DUTCH Initiative

DRS is also expanding thermal-sensing production capacity and broadening its component supply base to support increased demand.

Rhea-AI Summary

Leonardo DRS (DRS) received a U.S. Army contract to demonstrate uncooled thermal camera cores for the DUTCH sensing initiative. The award comes from the Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center. DRS will demonstrate high-definition, high-frame-rate camera cores under an initiative intended to accelerate next-generation thermal sensing development and transition into defense applications.

Positive

• Minor pointU.S. Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center contract selects DRS to demonstrate thermal camera cores under DUTCH.
• Minor pointProduction capacity expansion is underway to support increased demand for thermal sensing products.
• Minor pointComponent supply base expansion is continuing, with the company's stated aim of strengthening supply-chain continuity.

Negative

• None.

Key Terms

uncooled thermal infrared, uas

2 terms

uncooled thermal infrared technical

"uncooled thermal infrared (IR) sensing capabilities"

Uncooled thermal infrared refers to imaging sensors or cameras that detect infrared radiation (heat) in the long-wave infrared band without using cryogenic cooling. They use temperature-sensitive detector elements (commonly microbolometers) that change electrical resistance or voltage when struck by IR radiation, producing a thermal image after signal processing. Compared with cooled infrared detectors, uncooled devices are smaller, cheaper, and have faster start-up and lower power needs, but they generally offer lower sensitivity and spectral resolution and rely on electronic compensation and calibration to maintain image stability.

uas technical

"unmanned aerial systems (UAS)"

UAS stands for Unmanned Aircraft System, the complete setup that lets a remotely piloted aircraft (commonly called a drone) fly safely — including the aircraft itself, the ground controller, communications links and supporting equipment. Investors watch UAS because rules, technology and demand for tasks like surveying, delivery or aerial inspection directly affect companies’ sales and regulatory costs; think of it as a vehicle plus its keys, radio and support crew that together determine whether it can operate profitably.

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Company will demonstrate high-definition, high-frame-rate thermal camera cores designed for a broad range of critical defense applications

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, or DEVCOM, C5ISR Center to support the Delivering Unmatched Thermal Capability Hastened, or DUTCH, initiative.

Supported by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, the DUTCH initiative is focused on accelerating the development and transition of next-generation uncooled thermal infrared (IR) sensing capabilities for defense applications. The initiative is intended to advance high-performance, affordable thermal-imaging technology that can support rapid integration across a broad range of platforms and operational environments.

Under the award, DRS will demonstrate high-definition, high-frame-rate uncooled thermal camera cores engineered to deliver advanced sensitivity, image quality and responsiveness. Potential applications include unmanned aerial systems (UAS), counter-UAS, missile and rocket seekers, weapon sights, night-vision systems, ground-vehicle sensing and targeting, unmanned surface vessels and other emerging applications.

“DRS is committed to meeting the rapidly growing demand for high-performance thermal imaging solutions across the defense enterprise,” said Jerry Hathaway, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems business unit. “Our selection for the DUTCH initiative reflects the depth of our uncooled IR technology portfolio, our understanding of operational needs and our ability to transition advanced sensing capabilities into scalable production.”

DRS has established experience in uncooled IR sensing through sustained investment in advanced detector, camera-core and system technologies. The company’s portfolio is designed to provide thermal-imaging performance, size, weight, power and cost, or SWaP-C, advantages for crewed and uncrewed platforms, as well as fixed and mobile systems.

The company is also expanding its capacity and resiliency to support increased demand for thermal sensing products. DRS maintains dual-site camera assembly and test facilities in Dallas, Texas, and Melbourne, Florida, and continues to broaden its supply base across key components. This production approach is designed to strengthen supply-chain continuity and support scalable delivery of mission-ready IR sensing products.

“Today’s operational environment requires thermal-sensing solutions that can be produced at scale, integrated efficiently and perform reliably in the most challenging conditions,” Hathaway added. “DRS is investing in the technology, manufacturing capacity and supply-chain resilience necessary to remain a trusted, go-to provider of high-performance, cost-effective IR sensing solutions for the warfighter.”

About Leonardo DRS

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) is at the forefront of developing transformative defense technologies using its proven agility and delivering innovative solutions for U.S. national security customers and allies worldwide. We specialize in rapidly providing high-performance, multi-domain capabilities across next-generation advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion. Our reputation as a trusted provider is built on a continuous focus on practical innovation, delivering quality, and meeting our customers’ most demanding mission requirements. For further information on our complete range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements reflect current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements which include contract values, contract performance and our development and production of products are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Leonardo DRS Investor Relations Contact
Camilla Yanushevsky
Director, Investor Relations
+1 571 309 8216
investorrelations@drs.com

Leonardo DRS Media Contact
Charles Jones
Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications
+1 571-737-8800
charles.jones@drs.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d04e06ef-945f-4c94-bff9-5577dd222f7b

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What will Leonardo DRS demonstrate under the Army DUTCH contract?

Leonardo DRS will demonstrate high-definition, high-frame-rate uncooled thermal camera cores. The DUTCH initiative is intended to accelerate the development and transition of next-generation thermal infrared sensing capabilities for defense applications.

Where does Leonardo DRS assemble and test thermal cameras?

Leonardo DRS maintains dual-site camera assembly and test facilities in Dallas, Texas, and Melbourne, Florida. The company is expanding capacity and broadening its component supply base, with the stated aim of supporting scalable delivery and supply-chain continuity.