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.
An important U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry AWACS command and control plane was among the aircraft damaged in a March 27 Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.