Two firms provide USAF with countermeasure flares
The USAF awarded two countermeasures contracts worth a total of $500 million. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ian Kinkead)
MJU-75/B magnesium teflon viton flares to equip US helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
Armtec Countermeasures and Kilgore Flares are each working to provide the USAF with countermeasure flares under separate $250 million contracts from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
Both companies will provide MJU-75/B magnesium teflon viton (MTV) flares, which equip rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster and F-16 Fighting Falcon to protect against IR missiles.
The DoD expects Armtec and Kilgore to complete work on their contracts by March 2027.
MTV flares have been used for decades as a means of countering IR homing missiles. While the latest generation of SAM and air-to-air missiles feature improved seeker countermeasures against MTV flares, these countermeasures remain relevant as there are still many missile systems using older technology.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones]()
April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones
From France to Romania, there has been a clear shift away from expensive, vulnerable MALE UAVs in April towards lower-cost, expendable systems. Hard lessons from Ukraine and Iran have driven this shift.
