Northrop Grumman has secured a contract to supply the United States Marine Corps with a Next Generation Portable Guidance System (NGHTS). Reports from a tech-focused outlet have highlighted the system as a leap forward in accuracy and reliability for remote targeting, particularly in environments where GPS signals may be unreliable or unavailable. .
The primary claim is that NGHTS delivers enhanced pointing precision and can operate without GPS, thanks to an integrated advanced rangefinder laser pointer. This capability is especially valuable in challenging terrains where traditional satellite navigation is compromised, enabling Marines to maintain targeting fidelity under adverse conditions. .
NGHTS is built around a three-sensor core that combines a color daytime thermal imager, a thermal imager for imaging in total darkness, and a dual-system orientation toolkit. The device also includes a high-precision GPS receiver and an astronomical compass, both used to determine the azimuth—the angular direction to a target relative to the system—with remarkable accuracy, measured in fractions of a degree. This combination allows for more dependable target alignment across varied lighting and weather scenarios. .
Weighing under 10 pounds, NGHTS is designed for rugged field use. Its construction supports operation in extreme temperatures, withstanding vibrations, salt fog exposure, and high-altitude environments. The compact, portable design ensures it can be carried and deployed quickly in dynamic combat settings, reducing setup time and expanding tactical flexibility for ground units. .
In a related note, the reporting indicates that field workshops and maintenance teams can print NGHTS parts using consumer-grade 3D printers. This capability could streamline on-site repairs and spares management, enhancing sustainment in remote or contested theaters. .
Earlier reports noted a substantial procurement by the United States Army, which placed a batch order for Oshkosh Defense JLTV armored vehicles. The total value of this order was reported at around 543 million dollars, and the program involves JLTV variants deployed across the US Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy. The inclusion of JLTVs in joint-service equipment plans underscores a broader push toward versatile, survivable mobility alongside advanced targeting tools like NGHTS. .
Together, these developments illustrate a modernization arc in U.S. defense technology, where precision-guided systems, portable navigation tools, and rapidly producible spare parts converge to sustain mission readiness in complex environments. The NGHTS program exemplifies how sensor fusion, robust field design, and smart sustainment practices can elevate the effectiveness of small, highly portable guidance solutions. .