Northrop Grumman Equip NATO Aircraft with Infrared Countermeasures Systems

, ROLLING MEADOWS: Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a $104.6 million contract to outfit 17 NATO AWACS aircraft with the company's Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems. 
 
Under the terms of the contract with the U.S. Air Force's Electronic Systems Center on behalf of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Program Management Organization, Northrop Grumman will commence LAIRCM system deliveries in 2007, with final deliveries expected in 2009. 
 
Integration of the LAIRCM system on the NE-3A aircraft will provide NATO with the latest generation of infrared countermeasures technology, providing warfighters and high-value AWACS aircraft protection against man portable missile threats in operational theaters.