Airbus partners with Germany to equip military planes with advanced protection

Gerd Weber, Head of the A400M programme at Airbus Defence and Space, remarked: “Transporting troops, equipment and humanitarian supplies; refuelling 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. 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.”

DIRCM systems are designed primarily against threats like man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). These systems employ a laser turret that emits pulsing infrared lasers to disrupt missile sensors. Elbit Systems’ DIRCM solutions have been adopted by various nations to protect different types of military and commercial aircraft.

The A400M continues to be a versatile asset for European air forces such as the Royal Air Force (RAF), providing significant tactical airlift capabilities since it entered service in 2014.