Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM)

The Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0605035A, is a critical component of the Army's Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) modernization efforts. The primary goal of CIRCM is to develop, integrate, and demonstrate advanced infrared countermeasure technologies that protect rotary-wing, tilt-rotor, and small fixed-wing aircraft from current and emerging missile threats. The program supports the Army's broader modernization priorities, particularly in relation to the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and other multi-variant aviation platforms.

CIRCM product development focuses on the design and engineering of lightweight, laser-based infrared countermeasure systems. These systems are intended to interface with existing and future missile warning systems, such as the Common Missile Warning System (CMWS), Limited Interim Missile Warning System (LIMWS), Advanced Threat Warner (ATW), and the Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS). CIRCM's technical approach uses an angular bearing hand-off from the missile warning system, allowing the CIRCM unit to track and jam incoming missiles using modulated laser energy. This degrades the missile's tracking capability and increases aircraft survivability.

A key objective of the CIRCM program is the development and integration of the A-Kit and B-Kit components. The A-Kit includes mounting hardware, wiring harnesses, and other essential parts required to install and interface the CIRCM mission kit on specific aircraft types. The B-Kit consists of the laser, pointer tracker, and processor, which together provide near-spherical coverage for an aircraft. Funding is allocated for continued A-Kit development, integration, and testing across multiple platform variants, as well as for acquiring additional B-Kit test Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) to support ongoing development and testing activities.

CIRCM Test & Evaluation (T&E) is another major line item, with objectives centered on validating system performance through integration testing, software improvements, and jam code optimization. The program also conducts ongoing threat and vulnerability analyses to ensure that the CIRCM system remains effective against evolving missile technologies. Funding will support continued A-Kit integration testing for multiple platforms and further refinement of the system's software and jamming capabilities.

The CIRCM program employs an Open Systems Architecture approach, which provides flexibility for future software and hardware upgrades. This strategy enables rapid technology insertions and integration of new threat detection capabilities, ensuring that the system can adapt to emerging threats over its lifecycle. CIRCM is also a foundational element of the ASE suite for FLRAA and other future vertical lift platforms, supporting the Army's regionally aligned readiness and modernization model.

From an acquisition perspective, the program reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in September 2022 and entered Full Rate Production (FRP) following an approved decision in April 2021. The Army awarded a five-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for B-Kits, with options for engineering services, repairs, and contractor logistics support. Plans for FY 2026 include awarding a new ten-year IDIQ contract to continue B-Kit production, including support for Foreign Military Sales (FMS).