Funding to support the test of a missile defense system developed by BAE Systems on three American Airlines Boeing 767s is now in place after the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded BAE $29 million for the research.

Previously, American said the tests are scheduled to start in the spring.

The $29 million contract is for the third-phase of DHS’s research on counter man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).

American’s aircraft slated for use in the tests fly mostly long-haul routes. Last month, American said the exercise will not entail testing laser beams, but will focus on what effect the system

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