Elbit Systems Ltd. has secured a pivotal contract with Airbus Defense and Space to supply cutting-edge Direct Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) and Infrared (IR) Missile Warning Systems for installation on the MRTT A330 refueling aircraft destined for Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). This strategic partnership marks a significant advancement in safeguarding Canada’s aerial capabilities. The multi-year contract involves the integration of Elbit Systems’ state-of-the-art DIRCM solutions onto the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, recently designated as CC-330 Husky by the RCAF. This initiative comes as part of Canada’s comprehensive modernization effort, following the acquisition of two A330-200s with plans to convert them into MRTTs. The existing A310 fleet is being used to perform air-to-air refuelling operations, military and personnel and cargo airlift, medical evacuations, as well as strategic transport of Government of Canada officials.
Oren Sabag, General Manager, Elbit Systems ISTAR and EW: “The decision by Airbus Defense and Space to continue equipping the MRTT A330 aircraft with our advanced defense 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.”
Elbit Systems’ DIRCM technology, proven through extensive deployment on various platforms globally, is specifically engineered to shield aircraft from heat-seeking ground-to-air missiles. 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. Unlike traditional countermeasures such as flares or hot block systems that emit random flashes of infrared (IR) light in semi- or omnidirectional patterns, DIRCM systems precisely target the incoming missile. By directing their IR output directly at the missile using tracking information and a trainable emitter, DIRCM systems overcome the limitations of traditional methods. This focused approach allows a compact device to overwhelm the missile seeker by concentrating all of its output on the threat. These systems have earned the trust of multiple defense entities worldwide, including the Israeli government, the Italian Air Force, and the Brazilian Air Force, for safeguarding various aircraft platforms.
The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a European aerial refuelling and military transport aircraft based on the civilian Airbus A330. A total of 16 countries have placed firm orders for approximately 68 aircraft, of which 51 had been delivered by 30 November 2020. Announced by Elbit Systems on 19 December, the Israeli company has been awarded a $46 million contract to equip a future pooled NATO fleet of Airbus A330 tankers with its J-Music directional infrared countermeasures self-protection equipment.the contract will provide J-Music turrets for installation on the A330s to be assigned to the multinational multi-role tanker transport fleet. Elbit says its deal is for work to be performed over a four-year period. Four nations – Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway – have so for committed to acquiring seven modified A330s from Airbus Defence & Space, to be operated on a pooled basis under NATO command.
