Boeing has announced it has begun offering a Surveillance Detection System (SDS) capable of near real-time, 360-degree detection of optical threats.

The system identifies when friendly forces are being monitored or targeted by cameras, binoculars, sniper scopes or other optical means.

Using internal funds, Boeing Directed Energy Systems developed and demonstrated the new capability on a U.S. government test range within two months of the release of initial customer requirements, and successfully completed field testing over the past year.

The company validated the system's performance through tactically relevant scenarios.

The SDS can be adapted to meet specific customer needs, including tracking of counter-surveillance; snipers; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and improvised explosive devices .

The system provides the range and GPS position of detected threats in a prioritized database built on real-time target interrogations to greatly increase situational awareness and identification.

"Combining Boeing's advanced pointing and tracking solutions and real-time processing with our rapid-prototyping experience, this system is able to provide warfighters with the tactical advantage they need in hostile environments," said Mike Rinn, vice president of Boeing Directed Energy Systems.

The SDS design combines advanced sensing and processing components in a compact, lightweight and environmentally rugged package.