U.S. Army resumes work on CIRCM program

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has resumed work on its Common Infrared Countermeasure program as a contract dispute was settled.

The Army's CIRCM program seeks to develop a lightweight, laser-based infrared protection system for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Defense News reports work on the program restarted as BAE Systems withdrew its protest in November for the contract award going to Northrop Grumman. The contract is valued at over $35 million.

Army officials said Northrop Grumman was able to resume work on the contract on November 30, but would not disclose any details of the settlement with BAE Systems. The Army suspended all work on the project while the contract protest was in process, according to IHS Janes.

CIRCM is designed to protect aircraft from infrared-guided missiles, and replace the aging Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasure currently used on the Army's helicopters, originally built by BAE Systems.

With the protest over, Northrop Grumman will be tasked with the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the program. Army officials say the procurement plan for CIRCM is still in development.