Tel Aviv: Elbit Systems Deutschland has received an order from Lufthansa Technik to equip the German government’s Airbus A350 aircraft with Elbit’s advanced J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) self-protection systems. This order follows the decision made by the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Operations of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw).
The contract, which will be executed over a five-year period, marks the first installation of Elbit’s DIRCM system on an A350 aircraft and adds to the growing list of contracts and aircraft models the company has secured in recent years for its cutting-edge DIRCM technology.
Wolfgang Bauer, CEO of Elbit Systems Deutschland commented, “We are proud to be working with Lufthansa Technik on this important project and look forward to further strengthening the impact and trust in our solutions.”
“As threats continue to increase, more and more nations are turning to Elbit Systems’ self-protection solutions to protect their fleets,” said Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW. “Our DIRCM technology has consistently demonstrated its reliability and effectiveness, solidifying its position as a market leader and innovator in this important field,” he added.
“The Special Mission Air Wing is responsible for Germany’s political-parliamentary flight operations. In view of increasing global instability and regional conflicts, the use of MANPADS by non-state actors, among others, poses a concrete threat,” said Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik.
“The security situation demands that Germany ensures the protection of its own leadership. We are therefore proud of this lighthouse project with Elbit Systems and Airbus and look forward to contributing our expertise,” he said.
Elbit Systems’ J-MUSIC DIRCM system is specifically designed to protect aircraft from advanced surface-to-air missiles. The system integrates advanced laser technology with state-of-the-art imaging technology. It is deployed on various military and commercial platforms worldwide, providing proven, high-quality protection and solidifying its position as the preferred solution for protecting these platforms.
With the ability to counter evolving threats, Elbit Systems’ DIRCM systems provide reliable performance, flexibility and seamless integration across multiple aircraft types, increasing the safety of critical missions and airborne personnel.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda