There are (107) Army National Guard UH-72A Lakota in (40) States that are outfitted with the Mission Equipment Package (MEP). While select components of the MEP are being upgraded, presently there is no plan within the ARNG Aviation Division to replace the existing obsolete searchlight. The current searchlight is underutilized, and often removed by aircrews who prefer not to fly with it. Compared to more modern versions, it is too heavy, draws an excessive amount of power, creates an excessive amount of parasitic drag, and is not NVG compatible. As a result, there are 107 disadvantaged aircraft that are falling short of intended performance standards. There are affordable commercial-off-the-shelf solutions that can use the existing A-kit (wiring and controls) and be installed in minutes. There are some that have an FAA approved Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) so there is no additional non-recurring engineering cost incurred. An upgraded searchlight with an Infra-Red (IR) capability would enable aircrews performing observation in support of law enforcement greater stand-off ranges without being detected. Then when appropriate they could light up the target with white light so law enforcement can complete their mission. This modernization effort would greatly enhance aircrew ability to support Counter-drug, Border Security and Search and Rescue operations.