NASHUA — BAE Systems has been awarded a $71.4 million, five-year contract by the Department of Defense for warning systems that help protect military aircraft from shoulder-launched, surface-to-air missiles.

The DOD contracting agency announce the contract on Monday. It calls for the production of Common Missile Warning System aviation kits as well as installation and engineering services, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2017.

The bid was solicited through the Internet, with BAE as the only bidder.

The BAE website describes the shoulder-held rocket launcher as one of the most lethal threats facing military air crews. “Since these infrared-guided missiles can strike their targets within three to five seconds of launch, pilots demand a system that can sense and respond to the threat in the blink of an eye.”

The BAE warning systems to be delivered as part of the new contract detect, locate, and track the missiles, while warning air crews of threats and triggering defensive responses. The systems cue laser jamming countermeasures to defeat single or even multiple, simultaneous missile attacks.

In a separate announcement, the DOD identified 12 companies, BAE among them, that will share a $7 billion contract for software and systems engineering services.

Work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2017. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 15 bids received.

dsolomon@unionleader.com