USAF Seeking Advanced IR Countermeasures For HH-60Ws

The U.S. Air Force is soliciting advanced infrared (IR) countermeasure systems for the HH-60W Jolly Green II combat search and rescue helicopter to improve survivability against infrared-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. The HH-60W entered service as the USAF's primary CSAR platform and upgrading its self-protection suite is a priority given operations in increasingly contested environments. The requirement likely covers directed infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) or large aircraft infrared countermeasure (LAIRCM) class systems. Responses to the solicitation will inform a potential contract award for fleet-wide integration.