Huntsville Defense Contractor Wins $137M Missile Warning Systems Contract

BAE Systems to deliver advanced aircraft protection systems to U.S. allies worldwide.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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BAE Systems, a defense contractor based in Huntsville, Alabama, has been awarded a $137 million contract to supply its AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) to U.S. allied nations. The CMWS helps protect aircraft and crews by detecting and automatically cueing warnings against infrared, radio-frequency guided missiles, and other advanced threats.

Why it matters

This contract win highlights Huntsville's continued prominence as a hub for defense technology innovation and manufacturing. The CMWS system has proven effective in combat situations, saving many lives, and this new deal will expand its use to protect the aircraft fleets of over 20 nations allied with the U.S.

The details

The CMWS system is installed on more than 40 types of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft globally. Under the new $137 million contract, BAE Systems will deliver these advanced missile warning systems to U.S. coalition partners. The company has already delivered over 3,000 CMWS units worldwide and is known for its ability to quickly provide mission-critical capabilities to warfighters.

  • The contract was awarded to BAE Systems on February 9, 2026.

The players

BAE Systems

A global defense, aerospace and security company that manufactures the AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) at its facilities in Huntsville, Alabama; Austin, Texas; and Nashua, New Hampshire.

Jared Belinsky

Director of Integrated Survivability Solutions at BAE Systems.

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What they’re saying

“International customers continue to choose CMWS for its proven effectiveness and reliability in combat, where it has saved many lives. We are proud of this legacy and look forward to continuing to support U.S. coalition partners.”

— Jared Belinsky, Director of Integrated Survivability Solutions (BAE Systems)

The takeaway

This contract win solidifies Huntsville's position as a hub for defense technology innovation, with a local company providing critical missile warning systems that help protect allied aircraft and crews around the world. It demonstrates the ongoing demand for advanced, combat-proven defense capabilities that can quickly be delivered to U.S. partners.