PAS 2019: the German air force’s Airbus A400M tactical fleet will receive Elbit Systems DIRCM

Airbus Defence and Space has been awarded a contract from the German BAAINBw (Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr) defence procurement agency to integrate and certify the Elbit Systems’ J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Counter Measure (DIRCM) system inside the A400M Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) for the German Air Forces’ Airbus A400M aircraft. Announced during the Paris Air Show 2019, the DE DIRCM system will be provided by Diehl Defence as prime contractor, which has awarded $73 million contract to Elbit Systems to supply the J-MUSIC DIRCM. The contract will be performed over a four-year period. According to German MoD documentation released in 2018, the DE DIRCM will be integrated on the German air force’s tactical component of the A400M fleet including 24 out of a total 53 platforms. “The signing of the contract is another significant milestone for the A400M programme and also underlines the enormous growth potential of the aircraft and the confidence Germany has in it,” said Michael Menking, Head of A400M Programme. “The integration of the DE DIRCM system into the A400M will further enhance the aircraft’s self-protection and bring additional capability in the theater of operations”, he continued.

“Germany is an important market for us. We are proud to be a trusted supplier of the German Armed Forces and of our continuous cooperation with Diehl Defence and Airbus Defence and Space. This contract award is yet another testament to the maturity of our DIRCM systems and to the high level of confidence that they provide to users”, commented Elad Aharonson, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR Division.

Photo courtesy Airbus Military