The Air Force has chosen Northrop Grumman over Lockheed Martin to supply the next-generation missile warning systems sensor that will enhance the capability of the large aircraft infrared countermeasures system that protects aircraft from shoulder-fired, heat seeking missiles. In a release yesterday, the company said it will provide its NexGen MWS sensors for integration on LAIRCM, which already operates on platforms such as the C-5, C-17, and C-130. Northrop said its next-generation sensor is “the first two-color infrared missile warning sensor” that will be fielded by the Air Force. “The next generation missile warning systems will improve upon LAIRCM’s already outstanding capability to detect threat missiles,” said Carl Smith, vice president of IRCM programs at Northrop’s Defensive Systems Division.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.