Shielding Military Transports Against Heat-Seeking Missiles

Airbus announced it has been awarded a contract from the German procurement agency Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) to install DIRCM (direct infrared counter measures) systems in 23 Luftwaffe A400M aircraft to protect them from missiles with infrared (heat) targeting capability.

The contract also includes services such as training, service bulletins, and tools.

The DIRCM equipment is from Elbit Systems and will be installed by Airbus teams during scheduled maintenance service at the Airbus facility in Manching in southern Germany, and at Getafe and Seville in Spain. The aircraft are used for tactical operations that include medical evacuation missions in crisis areas.

The logistical variant of the A400M is deployed for standard operations such as long-range transport of troops, heavy armor, helicopters, or specialized civil engineering equipment.

“Transporting troops, equipment and humanitarian supplies, refueling other aircraft and helicopters in the air, serving as a flying hospital for the treatment of wounded personnel—the Airbus A400M is the face and workhorse of the German Air Force,” said Gerd Weber, head of the A400M program at Airbus Defence and Space.

Weber continued, “The new DIRCM system will provide A400M crews with even greater protection during their missions around the world and expand the already broad range of applications for this exceptional aircraft.”

Airbus is currently testing the DIRCM system in Seville, Spain, on a German Air Force A400M, with certification scheduled for summer 2025. Installations on the contract aircraft are slated to be completed by 2032.

FMI:  www.airbus.com/