ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Sept. 1, 2015 — The U.S. military has awarded Northrop Grumman Corp. more than $50 million in contracts for laser systems to defend aircraft. 

A $35.4 million award from the Army will support development of systems under the Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) program, with an expected completion date in October 2017. 

The project aims to augment existing laser jamming capabilities for rotary-wing and medium fixed-wing aircraft to protect against IR-guided missiles, according to Jeff Palombo, sector vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Land & Self Protection Systems division. 

Also taking part in the project are Daylight Solutions Inc. of San Diego and Selex ES of Edinburgh, Scotland. 

Meanwhile, the Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman $15.1 million to provide 106 Viper 2.1 lasers for large-aircraft IR countermeasures through April 2017.