Expanded lineup of U.S.-built camera modules aligns with federal call to strengthen domestic drone supply chains
In the wake of two recent executive orders issued by President Trump on June 6, U.S. drone and defense technology companies are responding to the government’s push to build a more resilient and secure domestic drone ecosystem. The executive orders—Unleashing American Drone Dominance and Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty—direct federal agencies to prioritize the purchase of secure, American-made drone systems and components, and accelerate the transition away from foreign-sourced technology in national defense.
As the U.S. strengthens its focus on supply chain security, Teledyne FLIR OEM has announced full compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) across its lineup of thermal imaging camera modules. The company’s Neutrino®, Boson®, Hadron™, and Lepton® modules now meet NDAA requirements and are eligible for use in a wide range of U.S. federal, state, and local government defense contracts.
U.S.-Built Technology for Secure Defense Applications
The NDAA restricts the use of components from certain foreign entities in U.S. defense systems. Teledyne FLIR OEM’s NDAA-compliant thermal imaging solutions are designed, assembled, and tested in the U.S., specifically at the company’s Goleta, California facility. These modules are built using trusted supply chains and are classified as non-ITAR, falling under the U.S. Department of Commerce for export regulation.
“Our thermal imaging technologies provide critical situational awareness and decision support for the U.S. Armed Forces and allied nations,” said Jared Faraudo, vice president of product management at Teledyne FLIR OEM. “The comprehensive portfolio of NDAA-compliant Neutrino, Boson, Hadron, and Lepton camera modules reflects our significant investment and strict adherence to meeting congressional standards through SWaP-optimized (Size, Weight, and Power) thermal imaging solutions.”
The compliance update is well-timed with the executive orders, which aim to accelerate federal procurement of secure U.S.-built technologies—particularly those that support defense, surveillance, and counter-UAS operations.
Wide Range of Thermal Imaging Solutions
Teledyne FLIR’s NDAA-compliant portfolio supports original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) building next-generation defense systems. These include autonomous platforms, soldier-worn systems, missile seekers, and counter-drone technologies. Key models include:
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Neutrino LC and SX8: Compact mid-wave infrared (MWIR) modules for gimbals and targeting systems
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Neutrino QX and SX12: High-resolution MWIR sensors for ISR and counter-drone missions
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Neutrino IS and Ground ISR: Integrated and turnkey solutions for long-range, ground-based surveillance
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Boson and Boson+: Uncooled long-wave infrared (LWIR) radiometric modules in multiple resolutions and sensitivities
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Boson+ CZ: LWIR camera with integrated 5x continuous zoom lens for simplified integration
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Hadron 640: Combines visible and thermal imaging for use in drones and robotics
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Lepton: High-volume LWIR module designed for scalable thermal applications
Each model is engineered for easy integration into both legacy and future defense systems.
Supporting a National Strategy
Teledyne FLIR’s announcement positions the company as a key player in meeting the strategic goals outlined in the June executive orders. The push for NDAA-compliant technologies supports broader national efforts to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and improve the cybersecurity, reliability, and availability of U.S. defense and drone systems.
As the government moves to expedite drone regulation and encourage domestic manufacturing, companies offering compliant, high-performance components like Teledyne FLIR OEM are expected to play a growing role in shaping the future of secure U.S. drone operations.
For more information, visit flir.com/oem.
About Teledyne FLIR OEM
Teledyne FLIR, a division of Teledyne Technologies, is a global provider of advanced sensing solutions for defense and industrial markets. Founded in 1978 and employing over 4,000 people worldwide, the company delivers tools that enable professionals to protect lives and assets through faster, better-informed decisions. Learn more at teledyneflir.com.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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