Northrop Grumman signed a procurement agreement with the US, amount of USD 3.6 billion. Under the agreement, the company will supply a Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) to the US Air Force (USAF).

The products to be delivered within the scope of the LAIRCM (Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure) procurement program will be integrated into large aircraft operating within the USAF. How many systems will be procured is not disclosed.

DIRCM, first introduced in 2002, was integrated with C-5M Super Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules and the C-130J Super Hercules family. The system, developed upon the determination of insufficient protection of conventional countermeasures against modern air defence missiles, can follow different targets simultaneously. The first delivery of the systems, which jams the IR bands of the threat with laser beams and thus increase the survivability of the aircraft with low maneuverability, is planned to be made in 2025.