Naval Air Systems Command awarded Leonardo DRS a three-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for low-rate initial production of the AN/AAQ-45 DAIRCM aircraft survivability system, Leonardo DRS announced Nov. 10, 2026. The company will build DAIRCM hardware in Dallas, Texas, and San Diego, California, with aircraft integration and logistics work handled from Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
What it means
The AN/AAQ-45 DAIRCM system is built for small- and medium-sized aircraft. Its functions include advanced missile warning, directed infrared countermeasures, laser warning and hostile-fire indication.
Leonardo DRS will perform production, integration, systems engineering, program management and related logistics support under the contract. The award came after the program completed Engineering and Manufacturing Development, a phase in which DRS added capability and manufacturing-related improvements. The system has already been used on aircraft operating under a Joint Urgent Operational Need Statement.
John Baylouny, president and chief executive officer of Leonardo DRS, said the contract places the DRS DAIRCM System in low-rate initial production. The program adds to the company’s aircraft survivability offerings.
Key facts
- Naval Air Systems Command awarded Leonardo DRS a three-year IDIQ contract.
- The contract covers low-rate initial production of the AN/AAQ-45 DAIRCM system.
- DAIRCM hardware production will take place in Dallas, Texas, and San Diego, California.
- Fort Walton Beach, Florida, will support aircraft integration and logistics activities.
- The system includes missile warning, infrared countermeasures, laser warning and hostile-fire indication.
- Leonardo DRS, Inc. trades on Nasdaq under the symbol DRS.
Source: Leonardo DRS news release