Anti-missile counter-measures system approved for export

ARLINGTON, Va., March 3 (UPI) -- BAE Systems' Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures system, or ATIRCM, detects incoming missiles, tracks their position and then emits a high-energy laser beam to disrupt the incoming weapon's infrared seeker and blind its guidance system.

"In today's environment, with the proliferation of surface-to-air missiles, a proven aircraft survivability system to counter advanced threats meets an immediate need," said Bill Staib, director of threat management solutions at BAE Systems. "We are seeing tremendous international interest for this system, which has proven to be both highly effective and reliable since its fielding in 2009."

BAE Systems said it developed ATIRCM in partnership with the U.S. Army and that the system demonstrated its reliability in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

With the Department of Defense approval, BAE Systems said the system is now available for sale to allied nations.