On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the American company Northrop Grumman announced that it will deliver Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) systems for the first time for the future German Boeing CH-47F Chinook Block II heavy transport helicopters.
Components of the CIRCM system / Photo: Northrop Grumman
The CIRCM system, originally developed for the U.S. Army for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters, and UH-60 Black Hawk multirole helicopters, has been delivered in nearly 700 sets, which have accumulated more than 70,000 flight hours on the above-mentioned platforms. In addition, the system has been installed on more than 1,500 aircraft across 85 types. Germany has ordered 47 sets, while it has contracted 60 CH-47 helicopters (it is possible that the remaining CIRCM sets will be ordered later).
The CIRCM system is designed to protect aircraft from infrared-guided missile attacks, such as those launched from man-portable air-defense systems or other aircraft. Its main component consists of multi-band laser effectors that emit a high-power beam intended to blind and disrupt the guidance heads of anti-aircraft missiles, along with the Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS).
Leah Hooten, Vice President of Aircraft Survivability at Northrop Grumman, said:
“More international partners are recognizing CIRCM’s pioneering protection capabilities to maximize successful missions. With open architecture, the lightweight CIRCM system stays ready for any mission with the agility for rapid technology upgrades. It’s not only ideal for small aircraft – it’s a crucial system that brings key advantages to our international warfighters.”
Under the STH (Schwere Transporthubschrauber, Heavy Transport Helicopter) program, the newest Chinooks were selected by Germany on June 1, 2022, when Lockheed Martin’s counteroffer with the CH-53K King Stallion was rejected. The government in Berlin received approval on May 11, 2023, for a package of 60 CH-47F Block II helicopters, valued at up to 8.5 billion EUR.
On July 12, 2023, the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw – Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr) signed an intergovernmental Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) agreement worth about 6.98 billion EUR for the delivery of the helicopters together with an equipment package. On October 27, 2025, the first production contract was concluded, valued at 876.422 million EUR.
Boeing’s main partner in the CH-47F delivery program for the Luftwaffe is the European company Airbus Helicopters, with which the Americans established a strategic partnership in March 2022. Other program subcontractors include AERO-Bildung, CAE Elektronik, ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik, Lufthansa Technik, Honeywell Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce Deutschland.
Under the terms of the contract, deliveries of the Chinooks will take place between 2027 and 2033 and will enable the complete phased retirement of 80 CH-53GA/GE/GS Stallion helicopters that have been in service since 1971. The helicopters will be operated by the 64th Helicopter Wing (Hubschraubergeschwader 64, HSG 64) of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). The Stallions must be fully retired by 2030.
Image: Boeing
CH-47F Chinook Block II
The CH-47F Block II variant selected by Germany has been equipped with upgraded Honeywell T55-715 turboshaft engines with 20% greater power and new composite rotor blades with swept tips known as ACRB (Advanced Chinook Rotor Blades). The configuration of six fuel tanks, three on each side of the fuselage, has been replaced with two larger tanks in the sponsons, allowing the helicopter to carry more fuel while reducing weight by 90 kg. The fuselage structure has also been reinforced in key areas to enable the carriage of additional payloads. As a result, the maximum takeoff weight increased from 22,680 to 24,500 kg, while payload capacity rose from about 9,000 to 10,000 kg. The helicopter is also equipped with three 60 kVa generators and the Active Parallel Actuator System (APAS) rotor speed control system.
So far, the latest Chinooks have been ordered by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. In addition, Egypt and South Korea have ordered the helicopters in the Block I version. The newest Chinook is also currently being offered in Poland. On February 27 of this year, during a presentation of the general list of tasks and projects to be implemented by the government under the EU SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument, the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, Gen. Wiesław Kukuła, stated that financial resources freed up in the Ministry of National Defence budget would make it possible to purchase, among other things, heavy transport helicopters from the United States (which had originally been planned only after 2030).
Proven and pioneering with unparalleled speed, performance and reliability, our Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) maximizes aircraft survivability and protects warfighters in the most challenging environments.
Discover more about CIRCM: https://t.co/gPUDBI482F pic.twitter.com/CeQLrjV37Q
— Northrop Grumman (@northropgrumman) February 26, 2026
