The US State Department has approved Australia's request to purchase Large Aircraft Infra-Red Counter Measures (LAIRCM) Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) for US$122 million.
The Commonwealth requested AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) component systems required to support upgrades of the RAAF's C-17As, KC-30As, and C-130Js.
Specifically, the FMS order includes 27 AN/AAQ 24(V)N LAIRCM system processor replacements, and 30 Guardian Laser Turret Assemblies. Also included are LAIRCM Control Indicator Unit Replacements; Advanced Threat Missile Warning Sensors; Smart Card Assemblies; High Capacity Cards/User Data Memory Cards; Simple Key Loaders; personnel training; US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and more.
"The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing modern protection for large air mobility platforms," the State Department said in a statement. "These countermeasures are crucial to defeating modern threats. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces."
The principal contractors will be Northrup Grumman and Boeing.