Northrop Grumman has announced that its Laser Systems business unit recently delivered its 25,000th electro-optic (EO) laser system in support of U.S. warfighters since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The EO laser systems allow troops to perform surveillance, identify and engage threats at safe distances, accurately position troops, and engage enemies while limiting collateral damage and protect troops being transported in hostile areas.

Currently deployed systems include man-portable products such as the Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR) and the Mark VII and Mark VIIE laser target locators; ground vehicle products such as the M1 Abrams Eyesafe Laser Rangefinder and the Sight Integrated Rangefinder for Stryker vehicles; and airborne products such as the Target Acquisition Designation Site for Apache helicopters and lasers for weaponized unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters; and Viper countermeasures lasers for the AN/AAQ-24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasures system used to protect soldiers transported into and away from combat zones.

"The ability to rapidly and precisely engage targets is a matter of life and death to our warfighters," said LTC Mike Traxler, Product Manager Soldier Precision Targeting Devices.

"Lightweight Precision Targeting systems with EO lasers allow dismounted forward observers to employ precision munitions with devastating lethality while significantly reducing collateral damage."

"These EO laser systems have provided long-term support to the U.S. Army to help the warfighters accomplish their missions," said Gordon Stewart, vice president and general manager of the Laser Systems business unit.

"We are committed to providing next-generation systems that will continue to help our troops accomplish their mission and return home safely."