UAE Air Force orders AAQ-24 DIRCM to protect its C-17 transports

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.