LightPath wins initial $2.2 million IR camera contract for U.S. Navy...

10 Apr 2025

...and Poland’s Vigo Photonics and PCO partner to develop cooled infrared detector arrays for military.

LightPath Technologies, a provider of optics and imaging systems for both defense and commercial applications, has announced its recently acquired subsidiary G5 Infrared, which manufactures infrared camera systems, has won an initial $2.2 million engineering development model order for infrared cameras by L3Harris Technologies.

The contract supports the U.S. Navy’s Shipboard Panoramic Electro-Optic/Infrared (SPEIR) Program, with G5’s systems scheduled for delivery to L3Harris in 2025.

The SPEIR Program will integrate narrow and wide field of view detection and cueing capability for anti-ship cruise missile defense to counter-fast attack craft and fast inshore attack craft, counter-unmanned aerial vehicles, enhance mobility and to conduct anti-terrorism and force-protection operations. SPEIR will be integrated into all U.S. Navy surface ships with initial installations on Arleigh-Burke-class destroyers.

Sam Rubin, President and CEO of LightPath, said, ”With the recent close of our acquisition of G5, this first award we are announcing together will enhance the capabilities of the system for our naval forces. The SPEIR Program is integral to the Navy’s commitment to cutting-edge technology to enhance passive electronic support capabilities. By integrating G5’s camera systems, L3Harris will deliver an imaging solution that meets the Navy’s operational demands.”

“The award validates our rationale for the G5 acquisition, adding a complementary high-end cooled infrared camera product family with numerous programs of record to significantly enhance our near-term growth. We expect G5 will continue to help accelerate execution of our strategic vision to become a leading vertically integrated infrared imaging solutions provider in the $9 billion infrared imaging market.”

Poland’s Vigo Photonics and PCO announce strategic partnership for security

Vigo Photonics, Ożarów Mazowiecki, Poland, a developer of advanced mid-infrared detectors and semiconductor materials, has announced a joint development contract with PCO Optics, Warsaw, a manufacturer of optoelectronic solutions for the military. The estimated value of the contract is PLN 200 million (USD 52 million).

The contract is for the supply of cooled infrared detector arrays, a new product from VIGO using semiconductor technology based on “T2SL” superlattices. The focal plane arrays development project carried out by Vigo Photonics is part of a broader strategy to build national technological competence. The company holds a license issued by Poland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration for the production of equipment for the military, which opens up further opportunities for development in international markets, as well.

“These matrices will find application in, among others, the latest combat platforms, as well as in anti-aircraft systems in both the Polish army and the European defense industry. They will be used to detect and identify targets in all atmospheric conditions, both day and night. These are technologies that not only strengthen Poland’s security, but also show that our country is joining the elite group of countries capable of independently producing components for the defense industry,” Vigo’s statement continued.

Marek Adamiak, CEO of PCO, commented, “Responsibility for the security and efficiency of the supply chain is one of PCO’s priorities, especially in the context of key support for the Polish Army. Thanks to this cooperation, Poland will join the elite group of countries that have their own semiconductor technologies that can be used in state-of-the-art optoelectronic devices on the modern battlefield.”

Adam Piotrowski, CEO of Vigo Photonics, said “The agreement with PCO is not only a business success for us. It is proof that Polish engineering thought and years of consistent investment in research and development translate into real products that build independence and national security.

“Importantly, the agreement does not exhaust our production potential. We will consistently develop this breakthrough technology so that it can find application not only in further advanced military systems, but also in ambitious space projects. This opens up the prospect of attractive new contracts on the domestic and international markets.”