Leonardo has more than six decades of heritage in advanced imaging and sensing, combining expertise in infrared technology, thermal imaging, electro-optics, processing and systems integration.

Its capabilities support defence and civil applications across land, naval and airborne environments, including surveillance, target acquisition, border and coastal security, critical infrastructure protection and counter-UAS applications.

At the heart of this expertise is a range of high-performance thermal imagers, including Horizon and SLX SuperHawk, alongside stabilised electro-optic directors and the NERIO VLR and ULR family of surveillance and target-acquisition systems.

Leonardo’s imaging technology also has a strong civil track record, capturing high-resolution imagery in challenging conditions. Its thermal cameras have helped reveal nocturnal wildlife for BBC productions including The Great British Year, Autumnwatch and Planet Earth II, as well as being applied in international cricket.

Advanced Electro Optic Solutions

For more than six decades in the UK, Leonardo has developed secure communications and surveillance systems including thermal imaging technology, leading the industry with the UK’s first military standard production thermal imaging sensor in the mid-1970s.

Detectors

Leonardo’s specialist infrared detector facility in Southampton, UK is world-leading centre of expertise in infrared detector technology development and production, supplying military, civil and space customers around the world.

Seekers

Leonardo is a world-leading provider of electro optic (EO) seekers to missile manufacturers, with more than five decades’ experience in research, development and manufacture of the capability.

Civil Applications

With the ability to capture high-resolution imagery while operating in the most challenging environments around the world, Leonardo technology has brought pioneering new perspectives to sport and BBC wildlife documentaries for more than a decade.