Airbus Defence and Space has awarded a $260-million contract to Elbit Systems to equip the German Air Force’s A400M transport aircraft with advanced self-protection systems. Over the next six years, Elbit will deliver its J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) suite for 23 Luftwaffe A400Ms used in tactical roles, including medevac missions.
This follows a prior agreement between Airbus and the German arms procurement agency to integrate the DIRCM systems during routine aircraft maintenance. Certification of the system is expected by summer 2025, with all installations slated for completion by 2032.
The J-MUSIC DIRCM system is engineered to autonomously detect, track, and neutralize incoming infrared-guided missile threats, especially those launched from MANPADS. It features compact, modular architecture, high-resolution imaging, and advanced laser technology to divert or disable hostile projectiles—requiring no manual intervention from the crew.
