Israel’s Elbit Systems announced on 27 November 2023 that it has been awarded a contract by Airbus Defense and Space to supply its Direct Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) and infrared missile warning systems for installation on Canada’s A330-based Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The contract will be performed over a period of five years.
Canada ordered four new Airbus MRTTs and the conversion of five used A330-200 aircraft into MRTTs in July 2023, with the first delivery scheduled for 2027.
“Elbit Systems DIRCM laser protection systems have accumulated hundreds of thousands of flight hours on dozens of platforms and provide advanced defensive technology solutions for aircraft operating in modern battlefields,” the company said in a press release.
Oren Sabag, general manager for Elbit Systems’ ISTAR and electronic warfare business, was quoted by the company as saying, “The decision by Airbus Defense and Space to continue equipping the MRTT A330 aircraft with our advanced defence solutions validate the quality and market-leading technology of our solutions. Our DIRCM self-protection suite will provide the customer with advanced defensive solutions to bolster the security and operational advantage of the platforms and crew.”
