Israel’s Elbit Systems has received a contract from Airbus Defence and Space to supply J-MUSIC directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) systems for installation on German Air Force A400M transport aircraft, Elbit announced on 28 July 2025.
The contract, which is worth approximately USD 260 million (EUR 225 million) and is to be executed over a six-year period, follows a procurement decision by Germany’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Operations of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw).
Germany operates the largest national fleet of A400Ms, with 53 aircraft ordered, of which 48 have been delivered and are operational. Elbit Systems did not specify how many German A400Ms would receive a J-MUSIC installation.
The J-MUSIC DIRCM system is part of Elbit Systems’ MUSIC family of airborne self-protection solutions, designed to defend aircraft against infrared-guided missile threats, particularly those launched from man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS). The integration of advanced laser technology with high-performance imaging systems enables the system to detect, track and disrupt incoming missile threats in real time, providing autonomous protection without requiring crew intervention.
The system is characterised by its modular and scalable architecture, allowing integration into a wide range of aircraft platforms and missile warning architectures. The system’s compact form factor, meanwhile, ensures minimal impact on aircraft performance and payload capacity.
“This contract further strengthens Elbit Systems’ position as a leading global provider of DIRCM solutions,” Butzi Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Systems, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Our systems are already trusted by numerous air forces and defence organisations around the world and we are proud to support Germany in enhancing the protection of their strategic air assets. Our successful collaboration with Airbus DS on this important programme is highly valued, and we are pleased that our advanced self-protection systems will contribute to the safety and operational readiness of the German A400M fleet.”
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