The US Air Force has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to upgrade sniper advanced targeting pods (ATP).

Under the $13m contract, Lockheed will upgrade the Sniper ATP’s existing data link with an enhanced digital compact multiband datalink (CMDL).

The upgrade will expand the sniper pod’s current video data link capabilities to enable digital transmission of high-definition imagery and metadata between aircrews and ground troops at extended ranges.

The CMDL upgrade will increase long-range battlefield situational awareness and positive target coordination and confirmation.

The upgraded CMDL will communicate seamlessly with the fielded Rover family of ground stations, including Rover 5, a portable handheld transceiver.