M212 flares help protect helicopters from the threat of IR guided missiles.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Chemring Group’s US subsidiary Kilgore Flares with a multi-million dollar contract to supply its M212 flares.

The IDIQ (indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity) contract will last five years and is worth from $5.4 million (£2.7 million), up to a maximum of $382.9m, Chemring said.

The M212 flare is a key component in the Advanced Infrared Countermeasure Munition (AIRCMM) suite used by the US Army and US Air Force to protect helicopters from the threat of IR guided missiles.

Dr David Price, Chief Executive of Chemring, commented on the deal: “We are delighted to have won the competition for the M212 flare. This is a tremendous achievement by our US subsidiary, which extends our product portfolio and significantly enhances our long-term position in the US market. The contract is the largest ever framework contract awarded to Chemring by the US DoD.”

Hampshire, UK-based Chemring is an international leader in defensive countermeasures and energetic materials. Its subsidiary Kilgore Flares, located in Toone, Tennessee, US, manufactures a host of products for the defence and law enforcement environment.
 
By Natasha Piscitelli