The new system is a next-generation technology developed by the company to provide larger naval units, such as the Italian Navy's new LHD "Trieste" and Pattugliatori Polivalenti d'Altrura (PPA), with the ability to deal with multiple, long and short-range surface, missile, and airborne threats along coastal (Littoral) and open sea areas (Blue Water).

Leonardo's new product's modular architecture enables 360° coverage by positioning four mechanically stabilised, static Search Head Units (SHUs). The new IRST is also outfitted with three additional electro-optical (EO) Directional Head Units (DHUs) for the confirmation of acquired traces - an element that allows the system to minimise the False Alarm Rate, identify targets, and provide active and passive measurement of their distance with the help of the SHUs.

The DSS-IRST was designed to directly aid navigation and maritime situational awareness, even when the vessel on which it is installed is in silent mode (EMCON). In this case, thanks to its passive target distance measurement (Passive Ranging) feature, the system can provide 360° IR panoramic HD quality resolution 24 hours a day while maintaining the operational ability to detect and track multiple targets and generate CMS traces in 3D. Furthermore, because the SHUs' elevation can be adjusted, the DSS IRST can support Search and Rescue (SAR) or anti-intrusion Harbor Surveillance operations.