Airbus Defence and Space has contracted Elbit Systems to supply a self-protection suite for the German Air Force’s A400M transport aircraft.
Under the $260-million deal, the Israeli defense company will supply its J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) self-protection systems over a period of six years.
This follows after the German arms procurement agency contracted Airbus last month to install the Elbit DIRCM during the scheduled maintenance of 23 Luftwaffe A400Ms used for tactical operations, including medical evacuation.
Certification is scheduled for this summer, with full installation on all 23 aircraft expected by 2032.
J-MUSIC DIRCM
The J-MUSIC DIRCM is a lightweight, compact, and modular system designed to detect, track, and disrupt adversarial heat-seeking missile threats, particularly those launched from man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS).
It features autonomous protection without requiring crew intervention, high-performance imaging systems, and advanced laser technology that blinds or confuses incoming missile threats.
“This contract further strengthens Elbit Systems’ position as a leading global provider of DIRCM solutions,” said company President and CEO Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis.
“Our successful collaboration with Airbus DS on this important program is highly valued, and we are pleased that our advanced self-protection systems will contribute to the safety and operational readiness of the German A400M fleet,” he added.
