HH-60W helicopters may get new missile defense systems as USAF seeks industry help for fleet-wide integration.
The US Air Force has begun a market survey to equip its HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters with advanced missile defense systems.The move aims to improve protection during high-risk combat search and rescue missions.
The effort focuses on adding an Advanced Infrared Countermeasures system. This technology can defeat modern heat-seeking missiles.Officials see it as a critical upgrade for operations in contested environments. The initiative also signals a broader push to improve survivability across rotary-wing rescue fleets.Closing capability gapThe HH-60W currently relies on missile warning sensors.These systems can detect threats but cannot stop them. Crews must depend on evasive maneuvers during dangerous, low-altitude missions.“The absence of a capable AIRCM system on this platform significantly increases the risk of infrared guided missile engagement, jeopardizing mission success, aircraft survivability and crew safety,” the Helicopter Sustainment Branch wrote in the notice.To address this gap, the Air Force is evaluating two proven systems.These include Northrop Grumman’s Common Infrared Countermeasure and Leonardo’s Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasure.Both rely on laser-based technology to disrupt incoming missile seekers.These systems can detect and defeat threats within seconds.That capability could significantly improve survivability during rescue operations in hostile or contested airspace.Industry integration workThe Air Force will provide the selected AIRCM system as government-furnished equipment.Industry partners will handle integration across the HH-60W fleet.This includes research, development, testing, and full-scale installation. Vendors must also design modification kits that fit within the helicopter’s limits.These include power, cooling, avionics compatibility, and structural constraints.“This effort is focused on identifying vendors with the comprehensive engineering, manufacturing and technical depth to execute the entire integration scope of work,” according to the notice.The service also wants an open-architecture design.Officials seek full data rights to support future upgrades and long-term sustainment.“This market research is focused exclusively on the design, modification, and integration effort, not the procurement of the AIRCM system itself.”The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center will oversee the process.Officials plan to award a contract by the second quarter of fiscal 2027.The HH-60W has already seen action in high-threat environments.During recent operations in Iran, the aircraft supported a rescue mission for a downed F-15E Strike Eagle pilot.The helicopters faced heavy small arms fire during the mission.Some crew members suffered minor injuries. Despite the damage, the aircraft completed the extraction and exited the area safely.It remains unclear whether infrared-guided missiles were used in that engagement.However, the incident highlights the risks crews face without active countermeasures in modern combat zones.“The integration of an AIRCM system is critical to mitigating this threat and ensuring the platform can operate effectively in contested environments,” the service said.Budget plans reflect growing urgency behind the effort.The Air Force has requested $87.9 million in RDT&E funding for the HH-60W in FY-27, up from $40.5 million in FY-26.
Heat-Seeking Missiles HH-60W Infrared Countermeasures Jolly Green II Missile Defense US Air Force
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