The Army is using a “block-mod approach” to field a next-generation protection system to multiple locations for its helicopter fleet following a $959 million contract to Northrop Grumman for the system’s production, according to service officials. The laser-based Counter Infrared Countermeasures system, or CIRCM, protects aircraft from incoming missiles and will replace the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures system. The system consists of an A-kit, which includes mounting hardware, wiring harnesses and components necessary to install and interface the mission kit...