News

LORTON, Va., September 16, 2025 - QinetiQ US has entered into an agreement through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with Consortium Management Group, Inc. (CMG) on behalf of Consortium for Command, Control and Communications in Cyberspace (C5) with the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) to support Phase 0 specification development of the Future Advanced Long-range Common Optical/Netted-fires Sensor (FALCONS) system. This next-generation target acquisition system will enhance the Army's battlefield sensing capabilities, establishing the foundation for Army sensor capabilities that will serve warfighters well into the 2030s and beyond.

FALCONS is designed to replace the current Long-Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3) and Fires Support Sensor System (FS3). The system will integrate the Army's third-generation Forward-Looking Infrared (3GEN FLIR) technology with artificial intelligence for enhanced target detection and recognition, more than doubling current detection ranges while reducing soldier workload.

"This OTA enables QinetiQ US to leverage our next-generation sensor expertise from the ground up, shaping a program that will revolutionize Army target acquisition," said Jonathan Riksen, executive vice president and general manager of QinetiQ US' Solutions business. "Our deep understanding of soldier needs and proven capabilities in AI-enabled target recognition will be critical as we work with PM Ground Sensors to define a system that more than doubles current detection ranges while revolutionizing how warfighters acquire and engage targets."

Through this Phase 0 effort, QinetiQ US will help define critical system specifications, ensuring FALCONS reflects both current operational needs and future battlefield requirements through technology assessments, system modeling, and direct soldier feedback.

This latest award builds upon QinetiQ US's long-standing partnership with the U.S. Army in developing and deploying advanced sensor and targeting systems. The company will apply lessons learned from previous successful Army programs to accelerate FALCONS development, ensuring the system meets both current and emerging battlefield requirements.