The United Arab Emirates Air Force could protect its eight Boeing C-17A strategic transports with Northrop Grumman’s AN/AAQ-24(V) large aircraft infrared countermeasures (LAIRCM) system under a $225 million deal recently approved by the US government.
Northrop would be a subcontractor to Boeing if the deal closes. Abu Dhabi is seeking eight Northrop AAQ-24 LAIRCM suites, each comprised of three Guardian laser transmitter assemblies, six ultraviolet missile warning sensors and other major components.
The equipment itself is worth $83 million, according to the agency, but the total program cost is closer to $225 million over six years.
![Boeing C-17A Globemaster III - USAF s/n 96-0006 'Spirit of Berlin' (c) www.b-domke.de](https://i0.wp.com/defence-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/C-17A_96-0006_19794.jpg?resize=696%2C464)