US Army airborne countermeasures programme passes IOT&E milestone. The Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) system from Northrop Grumman is ready to enter full-rate production, following a successful six-month initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) activity with the US Army. CIRCM (pictured) is a lightweight countermeasure system that uses laser energy to defend rotary-wing, tiltrotor and small fixed-wing aircraft against IR-guided missiles. Its modular, open systems architecture allows it to be integrated with systems and sensors to address current and emerging threats. Shephard Defence Insight notes that Northrop Grumman was awarded an engineering and manufacturing development contract in 2015 and the first test systems were delivered in 2016.