# U.S. Army Awards $4.8B CIRCM Laser Contract

The U.S. Army awarded Northrop Grumman a **$4.8 billion** contract on September 8, 2026, to produce the Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system. This laser-based missile defense technology is designed to protect rotary-wing aircraft including the AH-64 Apache, Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, and the future MV-75 tiltrotor from shoulder-fired missile threats. The contract reflects the Army's focus on modernizing helicopter survivability amid a shrinking helicopter fleet and increasing missile threats. 

- The CIRCM system offers a significant advancement over traditional flare countermeasures by providing continuous, rapid missile defense capability, enhancing aircraft and crew survivability.
- Northrop Grumman, as the prime contractor, will lead production efforts, signaling opportunities for subcontractors specializing in laser defense and rotary-wing avionics.
- Procurement professionals should note the scale and strategic priority of this contract, indicating sustained investment in rotary-wing defense technologies.
- This contract may influence future requirements and solicitations related to airborne missile defense systems and survivability enhancements across military aviation platforms.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 27, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army (Army)
- U.S. Air Force (Air Force)
- Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC)

### Vendors
- Northrop Grumman (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> It’s the best solution we have now because the magazine is unlimited. I can shoot down missiles all day long with CIRCM. Once I’m out of my flare bucket, I’m gonna get shot by a missile…[laser defense is] way faster than my ability as a pilot to drop [a countermeasure, specifically a flare].
> — Unnamed Army aviation mission survivability officer

### Sources
- ['Once I'm Out of My Flare Bucket, I'm Gonna Get Shot by a Missile': Why the US Army Awarded $4.8 Billion for Helicopter Lasers - 19FortyFive](https://www.19fortyfive.com/2026/09/once-im-out-of-my-flare-bucket-im-gonna-get-shot-by-a-missile-why-the-us-army-awarded-4-8-billion-for-helicopter-lasers) - 19FortyFive