BAE Systems is also working on a laser-based DIRCM, under a
US Army $27 million contract to prepare the Advanced Threat
Infrared Countermeasures system (ATIRCM) for testing in 2009.
The system is expected to become the Army's future directable
infrared countermeasure system, based on a Multi-Band Laser
(MBL).
This device will replace the infrared jam laser and flashlamp
subsystems used in current DIRCMs, enhancing system's effectiveness
over all three threat frequency bands. The system will be compatible
with BAE's Common Missile Warning System (SMWS). The combined
system will be able to evaluate the entire threat environment
and select the appropriate response to counter specific missile
threats using an array of countermeasures.