WASHINGTON, D.C., — Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled the POP 1000, a compact electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor payload designed for long-range intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. The 12-inch system is designed for integration on airborne, maritime and land platforms, particularly those with strict size, weight and power (SWaP) limitations.
IAI is presenting the system for the first time at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C., at Hall C, booth 3525. The event runs from October 12–14. According to the company, the POP 1000 is marketed as an ITAR-free solution intended to simplify export processes for international customers.
Multi-Sensor Imaging and Targeting Capabilities
The POP 1000 combines high-definition visible-light cameras with medium-wave infrared (MWIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensors to support daytime, nighttime and limited-visibility operations. It also includes an eye-safe laser rangefinder and a laser designator for target ranging and designation.
The system features four-axis stabilization, automatic video tracking and advanced image processing to maintain a stable line of sight on moving platforms and track targets in dynamic environments. AI-based capabilities assist mission execution, while an integrated inertial navigation system (INS) provides geo-referencing. A picture-in-picture display function helps operators maintain situational awareness.
These capabilities are designed to support target detection, identification, tracking and designation across different operational conditions. IAI has not specified numerical detection ranges in the provided announcement.
Builds on IAI's Established POP Family
The POP 1000 joins IAI's Plug-in Optronic Payload (POP) family, developed by its TAMAM Division. The series includes POP200, POP300 and MiniPOP configurations used for day-and-night observation, surveillance, laser ranging and targeting on aircraft, helicopters, unmanned systems, vehicles and naval platforms.
IAI says thousands of POP systems have been deployed worldwide and that the family serves dozens of military customers. The POP 1000 builds on this operational experience with a more compact configuration designed to meet the integration requirements of modern military platforms.
Guy Bar Lev, President and CEO of IAI, said: “The POP 1000 represents the continued evolution of IAI’s electro-optical capabilities, bringing advanced sensing and mission capabilities into a compact system that provides customers with greater operational flexibility. Building on the experience of more than thousands of POP systems deployed worldwide, we continue to adapt proven technologies to meet changing operational needs.”
With its combination of visible and infrared imaging, laser-based targeting, stabilization and automated tracking, the POP 1000 expands IAI's compact surveillance offerings for military operations across air, land and maritime domains.
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