Leonardo DRS to Enhance US Military Aircraft Defense with Advanced Quantum Cascade Laser Technology

Leonardo DRS has secured a contract to provide Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL) for US military aircraft, enhancing their defense capabilities against modern threats.

Leonardo DRS, a leading defense contractor, has won a significant contract to supply its Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology for the US military's aircraft. This advanced laser technology is a crucial component of the fifth-generation Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) system, designed to enhance the survivability of military aircraft by defending against incoming anti-aircraft missiles.

The QCL technology offers a lightweight and robust structure with multi-color optical beams, making it a versatile solution for various tactical applications. This includes protection for rotary wing, tiltrotor, and small fixed-wing aircraft. One of the standout features of the QCL is its ability to track and neutralize threats continuously, providing unlimited rounds of defense against missile attacks.

Dr. Timothy Day, Senior Vice President and General Manager of DRS Daylight Solutions, highlighted the importance of this technology: “We are proud to continue to provide this critical technology to ensure the survivability of our flight crews from surface-to-air missile threats. Our groundbreaking quantum cascade laser technology represents the ultimate choice for aircraft survivability.”

The CIRCM system, developed by Northrop Grumman, has been integrated into approximately 1,500 aircraft across 80 different types. In May, Northrop Grumman delivered the 500th CIRCM shipset to the US Army under a contract signed in 2021. The company also received a $147 million order for 336 additional CIRCM systems, marking the fourth annual procurement under a $959 million full-rate production contract expected to conclude by April 2026. The CIRCM achieved its initial operational capability in February 2023, enhancing the defense capabilities of over 1,500 US Army aircraft.

Northrop Grumman's CIRCM system has proven effective against advanced threats, thanks to its modular open systems approach, which ensures flexibility for future upgrades. Bob Gough, Vice President of Navigation, Targeting, and Survivability at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the system's reliability: “Northrop Grumman and our partners have demonstrated the mature production capacity to deliver and support the US Army’s mission with this life-saving technology today, and for years to come.”