NASHUA — A $38 million military contract was awarded to BAE Systems this week, a win that company officials say is instrumental in protecting America’s men and women in uniform.

BAE Systems has been selected by the U.S. Army for the competitive contract worth $38 million to expand its work on the Army’s Common Infrared Countermeasures system, known as CIRCM.

Designed by the U.S. Department of Defense, the CIRCM system is geared to disrupt heat-seeking missiles by using lightweight, low-cost devices to defend against anti-aircraft systems.

The technology development contract is a 21-month operation to supply hardware for testing and evaluation of the laser missile jammer for U.S. Army helicopters, said John Kobzik, director of campaign development for BAE Systems.

“We are very proud to be selected for this,” Kobzik said Thursday. “It is huge for BAE, and it is huge for New Hampshire. The economic impact is significant, and it is a very big deal.”

Every BAE facility will be working on the CIRCM system, according to Kobzik, including employees in the Nashua location. The laser missile jammer is designed to confuse the missiles’ infrared guidance system so that the devices miss their target.

He described the system as “life-saving,” saying the technology will provide protection for American soldiers against an array of advanced threats.

BAE Systems’ Boldstroke solution synthesizes the best attributes of prior generation laser jamming systems to meet the size, weight and power requirements of rotary-wing and light fixed-wing platforms, according to a release.

The Boldstroke system uses flight-proven hardware and algorithms tested in BAE Systems’ flight simulation laboratory, enabling it to be tested against today’s most predominant threats and anticipated emerging threats, according to the release.

“This (contract) decision is a validation of our technology and commitment, and of our 30 years’ experience delivering this type of technology,” said Bill Staib, director of BAE Systems’ Survivability and Targeting Solutions business. “Our motto is ‘We Protect Those Who Protect Us,’ and that is really what this achievement boils down to. Our employees are completely dedicated to that mission, and it shows in the reliability and sustainability of our products that ultimately bring our servicemen and servicewomen home safely.”

BAE Systems has worked on the development of countermeasure equipment for several years, and this newest contract will provide a long-term investment for the company to continue its strong efforts, said company officials.

“Today’s announcement is terrific news for BAE and all of their employees who have been providing our Armed Forces with cutting-edge military technology for years,” U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said in a statement. “This contract will mean quality jobs for New Hampshire and will allow BAE to continue their excellent work developing innovative technology that keeps our nation secure.”

BAE Systems is a global defense, security and aerospace company with about 107,000 employees worldwide. It delivers products and services for air, land and naval forces.

In 2010, BAE Systems in Merrimack unveiled a new $20 million protection center that tests and evaluates equipment used for defending helicopters against infrared-guided missiles and hostile fire.

One other company, Northrop Grumman Corp., was also awarded a $31.4 million contract for the same initiative. Competitive bidders included ITT Exelis Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp. and Raytheon Co.

Earlier this year, it was announced that BAE Systems in Nashua will continue its work helping Lockheed Martin develop F-35 fighter jets thanks to a different multi-million dollar award contract by the U.S Department of Defense.