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UK Strengthens Chinook Fleet’s Protection with Northrop Grumman’s Next-Gen Infrared Countermeasures.
Northrop Grumman announced on December 4, 2024, via its official X account, that the United Kingdom has become the first international customer for the Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system. This next-generation infrared countermeasure system will be installed on the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) fleet of 14 new extended-range Chinook helicopters, which will replace the oldest Chinooks in service.
Northrop Grumman next-generation infrared countermeasure system will be installed on the Royal Air Force’s fleet of 14 new extended-range Chinook helicopters. (Picture source: Northrop Grumman)
The CIRCM system is a high-tech defensive technology designed to protect both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft from heat-seeking missiles. Using laser-based directional jamming capabilities, CIRCM enhances survivability in contested environments by neutralizing infrared-guided threats. The adoption of this technology marks a significant upgrade for the United Kingdom's air mobility and tactical support operations, ensuring that the RAF's extended-range Chinooks remain effective in modern conflict scenarios.
The CIRCM system functions by employing a directional laser to counter infrared-guided missiles, often used to target aircraft by tracking the heat emitted from their engines. When a missile approaches, onboard infrared sensors detect the threat and relay the information to the CIRCM system. The system then quickly aims a laser at the incoming missile and emits a series of complex light signals. These signals confuse the missile's guidance system, causing it to lose track of its target and veer off course. This system is precise, fast, and designed to operate even in intense combat environments where multiple threats may appear simultaneously.
Northrop Grumman’s CIRCM system is composed of several advanced technological components that enable it to detect, analyze, and effectively neutralize infrared threats. At its core are infrared (IR) warning sensors, which continuously monitor the aircraft's surroundings for suspicious heat signatures, such as those from infrared-guided missiles. The data collected is processed by a central control unit that rapidly analyzes potential threats and determines the optimal response.
To counter these threats, CIRCM employs a directional laser emitter mounted on a stabilized turret. This emitter directs a high-precision laser beam toward the incoming missile, disrupting its sensors and forcing it off course. The system remains accurate even when the aircraft is in motion, thanks to advanced stabilization. CIRCM is also equipped with integrated control systems, allowing it to work seamlessly with other onboard defense systems, such as flares or radar warning systems. Additionally, it relies on sophisticated software with algorithms that adapt to evolving threats.
On the UK’s Chinook H-47 helicopters, CIRCM is mounted primarily on the upper structure of the aircraft, near the main rotor. This strategic placement provides a wide field of view to detect threats from all directions while remaining protected from damage caused by debris or impacts during flight. This integration ensures optimal protection for the crews and enhances the operational capabilities of British forces.
The CIRCM program was initiated by the U.S. Army in the 2000s to develop a lightweight, modular, and cost-effective infrared protection system for rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. The primary goal was to replace older systems, such as the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM), by providing effective defense against infrared-guided missiles, including man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). In 2015, Northrop Grumman was awarded the contract to develop CIRCM. The company delivered the first systems to the U.S. Army in 2016, marking a crucial milestone in modernizing infrared countermeasures. After a successful phase of initial operational tests in 2019, CIRCM was declared ready for full-rate production in 2021. By February 2023, the system had achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the U.S. Army, enabling its deployment on platforms such as the AH-64E Apache, CH-47F Chinook, HH-60M Medevac, and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.
This contract underscores the United Kingdom's commitment to equipping its armed forces with cutting-edge defense technologies. By becoming the first export customer for the CIRCM system, the UK strengthens its long-standing partnership with Northrop Grumman, a company renowned for its advanced aerospace and defense solutions. This purchase aligns with broader modernization efforts for the RAF’s rotary-wing fleet, aimed at improving operational readiness and mission effectiveness.
The CIRCM system already equips the U.S. Army and serves as one of its primary infrared countermeasure systems for protecting aircraft. It was declared ready for full-rate production in 2021 and achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2023. Currently, CIRCM is deployed on several key platforms within the U.S. Army, including the UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, HH-60M Medevac, and AH-64 Apache helicopters. The system is used to protect these aircraft against infrared-guided missiles, particularly in complex combat environments where threats from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) are prevalent.
Additionally, Northrop Grumman’s CIRCM system has demonstrated its operational effectiveness through over 30,000 flight hours on U.S. Army helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, and UH-60 Black Hawk.
Finally, several companies are developing similar directional infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) systems. For example, BAE Systems offers the AN/ALQ-212 Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM), deployed on U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Similarly, Leonardo S.p.A. has developed the Miysis DIRCM system, suitable for various fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. In Israel, Elbit Systems provides the Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasure (MUSIC), designed to protect both military and civilian aircraft from infrared-guided missiles. These systems utilize advanced technologies to detect and neutralize missile threats, enhancing aircraft protection in hostile environments.