Israel’s Elbit Systems has signed a $260 million contract to supply its advanced J-MUSIC directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system for the German Air Force’s A400M transport aircraft. The systems will be integrated by Airbus Defence and Space, according to Elbit’s announcement on July 28.
The delivery of all systems will be completed over a six-year timeline, following a procurement decision made by the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support.
DIRCM systems like J-MUSIC provide protection against heat-seeking missiles, particularly those launched from the ground. Using high-intensity infrared lasers, the system disrupts the missile’s guidance mechanism, shielding the aircraft from incoming threats.
This contract follows a previous order placed on December 23, 2024, in which Elbit Systems Deutschland was commissioned by Lufthansa Technik to equip the German government’s Airbus A350 aircraft with the same J-MUSIC countermeasure system.
Elbit notes that its DIRCM technologies have been operationally deployed on numerous military and civilian platforms worldwide. Customers include air forces, defense ministries, and government agencies from countries such as Israel, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Brazil.
