An enhanced version of Lockheed Martin’s Sniper targeting pod is now available to the Air Force for use in combat overseas, announced manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Monday. The Air Force declared initial operational capability for the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod-Sensor Enhancement system, according to the company’s March 17 release. Among its features, the new configuration offers advanced modes for collecting non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information and two-way data link communication. “The path to IOC involved collaboration between Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force to complete a two-year, six-platform ATP-SE test program,” said Ken Fuhr, the company’s director of fixed-wing programs. Lockheed Martin said it produced more than 100 ATP-SE pods and integrated the new variant on A-10C, B-1B, F-15E, and F-16 Block 30, Block 40, and Block 50 airplanes. B-1s from Dyess AFB, Texas, were the first operational aircraft to deploy with the new Snipers, states the release.
The Pentagon plans to use U.S. Air Force C-17s and C-130s to deport 5,400 people currently detained by Customs and Border Protection, officials announced Jan. 22, the first act in President Donald Trump’s sweeping promise to crack down on undocumented immigrants and increase border security.