Survivability CM

The Survivability CM line item (5044AZ3507) in the Army's FY 2026 Aircraft Procurement budget is focused on enhancing the survivability of Army rotary-wing aircraft through advanced countermeasure systems. The primary program under this line item is the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasure (ATIRCM), which is designed to protect aircraft from infrared-guided missile threats. The program is managed by the Army and falls under Budget Activity 04: Support Equipment and Facilities, specifically within Ground Support Avionics.

The main objective of the ATIRCM program is to provide near-spherical protection for host aircraft platforms, such as the CH-47F, against infrared (IR) threat missiles. This is achieved by integrating the ATIRCM with the Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) as part of the Suite of Integrated Infrared Countermeasures (SIIRCM). The SIIRCM concept involves a layered defense approach, combining missile warning, expendable countermeasures, and a laser-based IR countermeasure system.

Within the SIIRCM framework, the CMWS component is responsible for detecting, declaring, and initiating countermeasures against IR-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. Once a threat is detected, the system cues the ATIRCM, which then deploys a laser-based countermeasure to disrupt the incoming missile's guidance system. This rapid, automated response is critical for increasing the survivability of Army aircraft in hostile environments.

The ATIRCM system consists of two main installation kits: the A-Kit and the B-Kit. The A-Kit includes mounting hardware, wiring harnesses, and other components necessary for installing the system on the aircraft. The B-Kit, also known as the mission kit, contains the laser, optical coupler, infrared jam head, and jam head control unit, which are essential for achieving the desired level of protection. The system is currently fielded on CH-47F aircraft.

As of FY 2026, there is no new procurement funding requested for ATIRCM, reflecting the program's transition phase. The Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) contract for ATIRCM expired in January 2022, and fielding operations have since been managed by the ATIRCM Product Office. This transition will continue until all operational units are equipped with the replacement Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system, which represents the next generation of aircraft survivability equipment.

During this interim period, the government's fielding operations for ATIRCM include logistics support, transportation and shipping, repairs, and program integration and oversight. These activities ensure continued operational effectiveness and readiness of equipped aircraft until the CIRCM system is fully deployed. The program supports both active and reserve components of the Armed Forces, aligning with statutory requirements for homeland defense, domestic response, and military support to civil authorities as outlined in Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.