Pentagon Awards $179M Contract To Northrop Grumman For Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures

Northrop Grumman won nearly $179 million to provide large aircraft infrared counter measures to Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada and the United States, the Department of Defense said in a press release.

"Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation [of] Rolling Meadows, Illinois has been awarded a $178,969,767 modification for large aircraft infrared counter measures (LAIRCM) calendar year 2017 base hardware buy and needed LAIRCM support," the release said on Thursday.

Work on the contract will be performed over the next three years and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2019. It will include foreign military sales to Australia, Canada, Saudi-Arabia and Strategic Airlift Capability/NATO, the Defense Department added.

LAIRCM focuses high-intensity laser energy at the infrared seeker head of incoming missiles to blind the missile and force it off its target. Later-model LAIRCM systems use a smaller laser turret, and operate in the infrared region. Compared to first-phase LAIRCM systems, the newer models provide better resolution, better performance in optical clutter, and increased range of detection.