AN/AAQ-24(V) DIRCM (Directional Infrared Countermeasure)

laser-based system

Detecting and Deterring Missiles for 50 Years

Northrop Grumman is proud to have been at the forefront of warfighter protection since 1961. That's when our engineers developed the first active onboard IRCM system. Today, our DIRCM laser-based systems protect more than 1,500 aircraft, including large and small fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tilt-rotor platforms.

The AN/AAQ-24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system is the only DIRCM system in production today that will protect aircraft from today's infrared guided missiles.

infrared countermeasure systems

Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM)

Traditional IR countermeasures are not effective against the modern IR missiles that are growing in popularity among terrorist groups and in thirdworld countries. A Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system is required to defeat the latest and future advanced IR threats, and has a lower life cycle cost compared to other IR countermeasure approaches.

  • Simultaneously tracks and defeats threats in clutter environments
  • Fast, accurate threat detection and simultaneous jamming in all current IR threat Bands (I, II and IV)
  • Counters all fielded IR missile threats using a single generic jam waveform
  • Complete end-to-end self-testing features reduce life-cycle maintenance
  • Compatible with existing support facilities

Customized installation

The AAQ-24(V) is available in a laser-based configuration. Northrop Grumman then selects from a modular family of transmitters, jammers and missile warning systems to provide a customized installation best able to meet your specific platform, mission and budget requirements. Upgrades to existing systems are easy to install without further airframe modifications.

aircraft infrared-guided anti-aircraft missile threat protection system

Other Northrop Grumman IRCM Systems

CIRCM: Common Infrared Countermeasure Systems

Designed specifically to protect rotary wing and medium fixed wing aircraft from IR missiles, our CIRCM offering uses a compact ECLIPSE pointer/tracker, a lightweight COTS processor and advanced Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology for greater reliability and scalability.

Learn more about CIRCM

Guardian™: Pod-based IRCM

The Guardian™ system provides 360° protection against a wide range of missile threats. The Guardian™ system includes a multiband laser pointer/ tracker and an ultraviolet missile warning sensor. The system is contained almost entirely in a single pod that mounts to the underside of the fuselage.

In the News

man holding sensor in front of electronic dashboard

Advancing Survivability for Army Aircrews – A Generational Leap in Threat Detection Technology

close-up of missile warning sensor in lab

Survivability soars when the countermeasures are infrared and multispectral (Breaking Defense)

laser-based system

U.S. Air Force Keeps Improving Survivability With Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (The Aviationist)

woman working on infrared radar in lab

Northrop Grumman Equipping More US Air Force Platforms with Infrared Countermeasure Systems

infrared countermeasure flares exploding in night sky

Big-Picture Solutions for Large-Aircraft Protection

soldiers running out of helicopter

Department of Navy Large Aircraft Countermeasures (DoN LAIRCM) FY22 Production Award

u.s. military helicopter

Northrop Grumman Adds Infrared Countermeasures Systems Work

Red laser light coming from countermeasure pod

Northrop Grumman to Build More Combat-Proven Infrared Countermeasure Systems

Contact Us