Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $328.5 million US Foreign Military Sales contract to supply Taiwan with its Legion-ES IRST21 infrared sensor system, significantly enhancing the island’s air combat situational awareness.
The IRST21 system employs long-wave infrared search-and-track technology to detect and monitor airborne threats passively, enabling Taiwan’s F-16 fighters to identify targets at long ranges without emitting radar signals. This approach improves aircraft survivability while providing earlier warning of hostile activity.
The contract marks the first international sale of the Legion-ES variant, reflecting the expanding scope of defense collaboration between the United States and Taiwan.
Production will take place in Orlando, Florida, with contract performance scheduled to continue through mid-2031. At the time of award, over $157 million in FMS funding had already been allocated.
Lockheed Martin notes that the IRST21 builds on a proven technology base with more than 300,000 operational flight hours, positioning it as a critical capability for Taiwan amid heightened regional security pressures.
The award follows a series of significant US arms sales to Taiwan since 2023. These include a record $11.1 billion notification in December 2025 covering rocket artillery, self-propelled howitzers, unmanned systems, missiles, and command-and-control software.
Additional approvals included $330 million for aircraft sustainment support in late 2025 and the sale of NASAMS air defense systems with AMRAAM-ER missiles in October 2024, further strengthening Taiwan’s multi-layered air defense network.
