The US Navy has disclosed that the service declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the F/A-18 E/F Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Block II system in November 2024.
“Reaching IRST IOC is an important milestone in our overarching efforts to deliver advanced integrated warfighting capability to the fleet,” said the Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, Rear Admiral John Lemmon.
Australia has ordered 12 IRST Block II pods for the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet of 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets. The $74 million deal will see pods delivered throughout 2025.
“IRST provides data for our aircrew to improve reaction time and survivability while remaining unaffected by radio frequency jamming," Rear Admiral Lemmon added.
The US Navy plans to deploy IRST Block II equipped Super Hornets for the first time this year. A full rate production decision will also be be made before the end of 2025 according to the US Naval Air Systems Command.