In engagement scenarios increasing battlefield emphasis on the trade-off between long stand-off ranges, adverse weather capability and high probability target identification has resulted in the need for an SXGA resolution IR Sensor. Leading on from previous collaborative work with QinetiQ (formerly the UK Defence Evaluation and Research Agency) the UK MoD has awarded a contract, the STAIRS C programme, to Thales Optronics to develop to production such an IR Sensor thus ensuring this leading technology is available to meet the needs of advanced weapon systems and platforms of the future. A UK industry team has been formed to implement an optimisation programme for the productionisation and future applications of STAIRS C modules and the first of a number of UK MoD programmes has selected STAIRS C for a major Air Defence role. The STAIRS C programme has set the demanding requirement of doubling the target identification range of current in-service IR sensors whilst maintaining or improving the situational awareness (Field of View). The programme, technical specification and imaging capability achieved are reviewed in the paper.