Teledyne selected for US Army DUTCH Award

Teledyne FLIR OEM has been selected to support the US Army‘s Delivering Unmatched Thermal Capability Hastened (DUTCH) initiative, led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies and the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Centre, to enhance next-generation uncooled thermal infrared (IR) sensing for defence applications.

The DUTCH initiative is focused on strengthening US thermal sensor capabilities. The programme will focus on improving uncooled thermal sensor performance while reducing size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C). The initiative also emphasises scaling these technologies for high-volume production to enable future defence programmes.

How the technology will support integration across defence and uncrewed missions

Uncooled thermal sensors are essential technologies for a variety of defence applications, including uncrewed aerial systems, loitering munitions, thermal binoculars and weapons sights.

Under the award, Teledyne FLIR OEM will further the development of uncooled thermal imaging technologies and apply its system integration expertise to help drive development and demonstration efforts aligned with US Army modernisation priorities. The work builds on the company’s continued investment in advanced small-pixel pitch uncooled thermal architectures and recent product innovations that scale integration across defence and uncrewed missions.

Helping to improve resilience and reduce programme risk

Paul Clayton, president of Teledyne FLIR OEM, said: “Teledyne FLIR OEM is proud to contribute to the US Army’s efforts to accelerate next-generation uncooled thermal performance while strengthening a secure, resilient domestic industrial base. Our ability to deliver state-of-the-art, NDAA-compliant thermal imaging solutions on time and at scale helps reduce programme risk and ensure reliable long-term access for critical defence programmes, like Drone Dominance.”

The DUTCH initiative aligns with US Department of War priorities to strengthen secure microelectronics supply chains and restore domestic manufacturing capacity for mission-critical technologies.

George Bobb, President and Chief Executive Officer of Teledyne Technologies. “A trusted, scalable, and resilient domestic supply of high-performance thermal imaging camera modules is vital to US national security. Across Teledyne, we are committed to moving quickly to develop and deliver the critical defence technologies needed by our war fighters.”

Teledyne FLIR OEM, part of Teledyne Technologies, is the world´s largest volume manufacturer of ITAR-free and NDAA-compliant infrared (IR) sensor and camera modules. In the UK, Teledyne has nine design and manufacturing facilities across the country, employing over 1,500 people and providing non-ITAR capabilities to UK and European industries.