Leidos to supply infrared sensors for Sierra Space missile defense sats

Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) has been selected by Sierra Space to provide infrared sensing payloads, onboard signal-processing capabilities, and mission support for the Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 (AMDT3) Tracking Layer program, according to a company statement.

Sierra Space will integrate Leidos' infrared sensing payloads into 18 missile warning and tracking satellites designed to detect and track hypersonic and other advanced missile threats from low Earth orbit.

Leidos' payloads combine infrared sensing with onboard digital signal processing, enabling tracking data to be generated directly aboard each satellite. The company will also provide ground support equipment, operations support, and sustainment throughout the program.

"AMDT3 will build upon proven technologies to accelerate global missile defense capability," said Cindy Gruensfelder, president of Leidos Defense. "Leidos has already demonstrated these technologies on orbit, and with Sierra Space, we will rapidly transition that proven capability into an operational missile defense constellation that will help protect the nation against advanced missile threats."

The AMDT3 selection extends Leidos' work across Space Development Agency tranches 0, 1, and 2. The company's four Tranche 0 payloads have operated on orbit since 2023. Leidos is also delivering 14 sensors for Tranche 1 and 16 sensors for Tranche 2, plus two dedicated missile defense sensors for Tranche 2.

Leidos is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, and reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026.

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