The Sniper Networked Targeting Pod (NTP) is an upgrade to the decades-proven Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP), transforming the precision sensor into an airborne communications and edge-computing node. Lockheed Martin achieved this by integrating a Hybrid Base Station (HBS) into the pod’s modular architecture, allowing users to add secure, high-speed networking capabilities without modifying the aircraft. The HBS supports multiple datalinks, including MADL for F-35 interoperability and MANET radios, enabling fourth-generation aircraft (like F-16s) to receive and act on sensor data from fifth-generation aircraft (like F-35s) at 5G+ speeds. This capability is critical for secure data sharing and connected intelligence in a mixed-fleet environment, enhancing target identification, situational awareness, and decision-making across the battlespace. Lockheed Martin explains:
For more than two decades the Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) has been a reliable sensor for aircrews across the globe — collecting critical targeting data, enabling precision engagements and delivering long range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. With more than 1,650 pods delivered and more than five million operational hours logged, Sniper ATP has demonstrated the sustainment model, modular architecture and sensor pedigree that U.S. and allied air forces around the world depend on.
By integrating a multi-datalink, multi-processor Hybrid Base Station (HBS) with the existing Sniper ATP, Lockheed Martin has created Sniper Networked Targeting Pod (NTP). This added capability turns a proven precision sensor into an airborne communications and edge-computing node. Rather than require aircraft modification, the pod’s plug-and-play design lets users add secure, 21st Century Security® high-speed communications and processing where it’s needed most: at the edge of operations.
In the Battlespace
The Hybrid Base Station (HBS) utilizes a flexible architecture to support various datalinks and processors, including the Multifunction Advanced Datalink (MADL) for F-35 interoperability and Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) radios for resilient mesh networking. Sniper NTP allows fourth-generation aircraft to receive and act on sensor data from domain sources, including fifth-generation aircraft. For example, without compromising stealth, an F-35 can identify targets and pass precise coordinates through Sniper NTP to an F-16 which can then engage the target using long range weapons. This secure data sharing at 5G+ speeds is a critical node to connect fighters, ground stations, uncrewed aircraft, Navy vessels and satellites.
Extending Mission Relevance
Sniper is primed for networking due to its modular design, adoption of open architecture and customer trust in the system. It provides a cost-effective, flexible upgrade path that extends mission relevance without aircraft modification — a capability many allied air forces have asked for as they look to keep long-serving fourth-generation aircraft ready and capable in an increasingly mixed-fleet and digital environment.
Connected Intelligence
By combining onboard and offboard intelligence, Sniper NTP helps present the pilot with updated, granular and tactically significant information. Future demonstrations will showcase multi-aircraft coordination, secure video share and dynamic targeting handoffs — showcasing how connected intelligence can improve target identification, situational awareness and decision making. Sniper NTP continues to build Lockheed Martin’s pedigree that made Sniper ATP a global standard and extends that capability into a networked battlespace.
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