Northrop Grumman will provide its proprietary Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system to Germany for the first time, supplying defensive technology for the country’s future CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleet.
The integration is part of a US Army production deal awarded to the company in 2025, which covers the supply of 47 CIRCMs for Berlin.
‘Crucial System’
According to Northrop, the CIRCM will enhance the European country’s fleet survivability and support NATO combat readiness requirements.
Mounted externally on military helicopters, the system uses electro-optical infrared sensors to detect incoming threats such as shoulder-fired missiles.
The device then directs a high-performance laser at the missile to confuse its targeting signal, causing it to lose lock and redirect its path away from the aircraft.
“More international partners are recognizing CIRCM’s pioneering protection capabilities to maximize successful missions,” said Leah Hooten, vice president of aircraft survivability at Northrop Grumman.
“With open architecture, the lightweight CIRCM system stays ready for any mission with the agility for rapid technology upgrades. It’s not only ideal for small aircraft – it’s a crucial system that brings key advantages to our international warfighters.”
CIRCM is being fielded under the broader Improved Threat Detection System initiative, which adopts airborne missile warning solutions designed for modern warfare and has the ability to operate on the US Army’s enduring and Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft.
Global Support
Northrop Grumman has developed infrared countermeasure technologies for more than 50 years, with systems installed on over 1,500 aircraft across 85 platforms.
For rotary-wing systems, the corporation has installed nearly 700 CIRCM systems worldwide.
The capability has logged more than 70,000 operational flight hours on US Army AH-64, CH-47, and UH-60 helicopters without recorded aircraft losses.
