# Lockheed Martin Advances Legion Sensor Pod Integration

Lockheed Martin has successfully tested networked Legion sensor pods on two F-16 aircraft under an Air National Guard contract, demonstrating real-time passive infrared sensor data sharing without radar use. This capability enhances interoperability and supports crewed-uncrewed teaming, reflecting ongoing production contracts for both U.S. military and international customers, including a significant foreign military sales contract with the Taiwan Air Force.

- The Air National Guard and U.S. Navy have awarded contracts totaling over **$560 million** for production of advanced infrared search-and-track systems, including the IRST21 Block II and Legion-ES variants.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on passive sensor networking and interoperability as key requirements in current and future sensor pod acquisitions.
- Contractors with expertise in infrared sensor technology and networked systems may find opportunities in both domestic and foreign military sales programs.
- The successful integration at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, highlights a strategic location for testing and deployment of these sensor systems.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- Air National Guard
- Air Force Reserve Test Center
- U.S. Navy
- Taiwan Air Force

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (prime contractor)
- L3Harris (technology provider)

### Key Quotes
> The effort is turning infrared search-and-track into a networked passive capability.
> — Cristin Stengel, Legion Program Director at Lockheed Martin

### Sources
- [Lockheed Links Legion Sensor Pods in F-16 Test](https://www.executivebiz.com/articles/lockheed-martin-legion-pod-data-link-f-16-test) - ExecutiveBiz