Germany signs $260M deal with Elbit Systems for military aircraft defense
Israeli-developed J-MUSIC laser system to protect A400M fleet from missile threats.
The German Air Force’s transport aircraft will be equipped with Elbit Systems’ DIRCM (Directional Infrared Counter Measures) missile defense technology, under a deal valued at approximately $260 million. The agreement is part of a broader collaboration between Elbit Systems and Airbus, as Europe prepares to deliver dozens of A400M transport aircraft to the German military.
According to the companies, the delivery of the defense systems will be carried out over six years. The version selected for Germany is J-MUSIC, considered the most advanced model in Elbit’s DIRCM product line, developed over the past two decades.
Development of DIRCM was initiated following a 2002 attempted terror attack in which shoulder-fired missiles were launched at an Israeli passenger plane at Mombasa Airport in Kenya.
The J-MUSIC system is designed to protect aircraft from infrared-guided missiles launched from mobile platforms. Elbit says the system can autonomously detect incoming threats, track them, and disrupt their trajectory using a laser-based jamming mechanism, all without requiring manual input from the aircraft crew.
Related articles:
The German Air Force already uses Elbit’s DIRCM technology to protect its A330 aerial refueling aircraft. In Israel, DIRCM systems have been installed on civilian aircraft operated by Israir, El Al, and Arkia, following a regulatory directive from the Ministry of Transportation. The systems are also used on high-value mission aircraft, including the A330 aircraft operated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
