\n<\/p>\n
Airbus has secured a contract from Germany\u2019s defense procurement authority (BAAINBw) to upgrade 23 Airbus A400M military transport aircraft with Directed Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) systems. This initiative aims to bolster the survivability of the Luftwaffe\u2019s tactical airlift fleet against infrared-guided missile threats.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The A400M, developed by Airbus Defence and Space, is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed to perform both strategic and tactical missions. Its capabilities include transporting heavy and oversized loads, aerial refueling, and medical evacuation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTransporting troops, equipment and humanitarian supplies; refuelling other aircraft and helicopters in the air; serving as a flying hospital for the treatment of wounded personnel \u2013 the Airbus A400M is the face and workhorse of the German Air Force,\u201d commented Gerd Weber, Head of the A400M program at Airbus Defence and Space. \u201cThe 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 23 A400Ms designated for the DIRCM upgrade are primarily employed in tactical operations, including medical evacuations and humanitarian missions in high-threat environments. The integration of DIRCM systems will enhance the aircraft\u2019s self-protection capabilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In contrast, the remaining A400Ms in the German fleet, which are configured for logistical missions such as the long-range transport of troops and heavy equipment, will not receive the DIRCM upgrade, as they typically operate in less contested airspace.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The protection system, developed by Israel\u2019s Elbit Systems, detects and tracks incoming infrared-guided missiles before directing a focused laser beam to disrupt the missile\u2019s seeker head, effectively diverting it from its target. The system is fully autonomous, providing 360-degree threat detection and rapid response with minimal crew intervention.\u00a0<\/p>\n