An American company has developed technology capable of tracking moving threats in real time and at very high speeds. It is based on a new mid-wave infrared camera called “event-driven” which greatly reduces energy consumption and computational power required.
Missiles have become a central element of modern warfare, alongside drones. They allow for long-distance, fast, and precise strikes without directly engaging soldiers on the ground. In countries like Iran, missiles are a key part of deterrence or attack strategy, capable of hitting enemy bases or responding to strikes, as seen in recent conflicts initiated by the United States and Israel.
Among these threats, some are particularly difficult to intercept, such as multiple-warhead ballistic missiles, decoys, and hypersonic missiles that can reach speeds exceeding Mach 5. Cruise missiles, although slower, pose a threat as they can fly at low altitudes to evade radar detection.
In the face of these threats, both governments and defense companies are innovating. A company in Massachusetts has developed a new mid-wave infrared camera called “event-driven” capable of tracking high-speed objects in real time while significantly reducing energy consumption and computational power needed.
Developed by Raytheon Technologies, a subsidiary of RTX Group working with the US Department of Defense, this technology takes a different approach by focusing on capturing motion events rather than recording a certain number of images per second.
During tests in Northern California, the camera successfully tracked multiple targets simultaneously, capturing rapid movements imperceptible to traditional infrared cameras. By only reporting changes in the scene, it offers a nearly instantaneous and more efficient view of ongoing operations.
This innovative technology, developed under the DARPA “FENCE” program, could have numerous applications in defense and national security, especially in environments where speed, data volume, and scene complexity surpass the capabilities of traditional sensors.
The company claims that this technology also enhances battlefield awareness, base protection, surveillance by drones and aircraft, as well as the precision of missile guidance. However, missile manufacturers may also be seeking ways to bypass or counter these new capabilities.
