The U.S. Air Force has ordered laser-based aircraft countermeasure systems and support services from Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) through a $151.3M award under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.
Northrop said Tuesday it will provide Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures designed to protect fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft from IR missile threats through directed energy.
The LAIRCM system works to detect missile launches and activate high-intensity laser beams for military aircraft protection.
Under the order, the company will support production, modification and upgrade of the laser devices on KC-46 tankers, P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and C-17 airlifters.
Bob Gough, vice president for navigation, targeting and survivability at Northrop, said the company has supplied IR threat protection systems to the Air Force for almost two decades,.
The company noted its countermeasures technology offerings have been integrated into more than 80 aircraft types worldwide.
