Military Awards US$50 Million to Northrop Grumman for Laser Defense Systems

04 September, 2015—Defense contractor Northrop Grumman announced this week a contract awarded by the U.S. Army for US$35 million to engineer and develop technology for the Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) program, estimated for completion on 28 October, 2017.
 
The project will support system development of the CIRCM program, augmenting the existing capabilities of rotary-wing and medium-fixed-wing aircraft to laser jam against IR-guided air missiles. The hybrid contract includes low-rate initial production and will be executed at the contractor’s Land & Self Protection Systems Division site in Rolling Meadows, Ill.
 
In addition, the U.S Air Force awarded another US$15 million to a previously existing 2012 Northrop Grumman contract for US$673 million that developed Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures. The new contract is for 106 Viper 2.1 lasers through April 2017.