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Elbit Systems will supply an additional J- MUSIC™ Direct Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) self-protection system to the ninth and final aircraft in the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF).

Integrating the Company’s Infra-Red-based Passive Airborne Warning Systems (PAWS IR), the J-MUSIC DIRCM systems that are being delivered to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) are designed in open architecture. This integrates the latest laser technology together with a high frame-rate thermal camera and a small, dynamic high-speed sealed-mirror turret thus delivering high performance defence against Infra-Red missile threats.

The MMF programme is a multinational pooling and sharing initiative. The fleet will consist of nine Multi-role tanker transport aircraft able to provide strategic transport, air-to-air refueling and medical evacuation capabilities to its six participating nations (Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Norway). The aircraft are owned by NATO and managed by the NSPA with the support of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on the acquisition phase until the end of 2022. The Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit operates the fleet.

Having accumulated more than 300,000 operational flight hours and tested in live fire,  Elbit Systems’ family of DIRCM systems are in use by a range of customers onboard more than 25 aircraft types, including:

  • Boeings B747, B737, B757, B767, B777
  • Airbus A320, A330, A340, A400
  • Lockheed Martin C130J
  • Alenia C27J
  • Leonardo CSAR AW101
  • EMBRAER KC-390
  • Gulfstream 650

Jack Richardson