Japanese military receives Teledyne FLIR solutions
The systems will be used to enhance the country’s SH-60L helicopters – used for search and rescue (SAR) and other maritime military operations
The Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) has received a set of Star SAFIRE 380-HLD multi-spectrum imaging systems from Teledyne FLIR.
The systems are part of a contract worth up to US$20.8 million. Three were delivered as part of the initial batch – two to be used for test and evaluation purposes by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), plus a spare unit.
The contract will eventually see Teledyne FLIR deliver 10 units over the next three years.
The systems will be integrated into the imaging systems of the JSDF’s Sikorsky SH-60L helicopter fleet, with the aim of enhancing that fleet’s operations, which include SAR, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, and other maritime operation types.
Robert Moss, Senior Director of Business Development, Asia Pacific, at Teledyne FLIR Defense, said that the new systems will help the JSDF counter “growing threats in the region [which] have moved Japan to improve its defense and security capabilities, especially those designed to safeguard its territorial waters and outlying territories”.
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) placed an order for three more H225 helicopters with Airbus earlier this year.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.