The German Defense Procurement Agency (BAAINBw) has awarded Airbus a contract to upgrade 23 Airbus A400M transport aircraft with so-called “Directed Infrared Counter Measures” (DIRCM) systems.
This initiative aims to significantly improve the survivability of the Air Force's tactical airlift fleet against infrared-guided missile threats. The integration of the sophisticated defense systems developed by Israel's Elbit Systems will autonomously enhance the aircraft's self-protection capabilities and is a sign of a broader trend within NATO toward better protection of non-combat platforms.
Increased protection for tactical air force operations
The Airbus A400M, developed by Airbus Defence and Space, is a versatile four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. It was designed to perform both strategic and tactical missions. Its capabilities range from the transport of heavy and oversized loads to in-flight refueling of other aircraft and medical evacuation. This multifunctionality makes the A400M a central element of the German Air Force, especially in operations requiring rapid and flexible transport across diverse operational areas.
Gerd Weber, Head of the A400M Program at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the aircraft's importance: "Transporting troops, equipment, and humanitarian supplies; refueling other aircraft and helicopters in the air; serving as a flying hospital to treat wounded personnel—the Airbus A400M is the face and workhorse of the German Air Force." He further emphasized that the new DIRCM system will provide A400M crews with even greater protection during their worldwide missions and expand the already wide range of applications for this exceptional aircraft.
The 23 A400Ms designated for DIRCM upgrade will primarily be used in tactical operations. This includes medical evacuations and humanitarian missions, which often take place in high-threat environments. The ability to operate safely in such high-risk areas is crucial for the Bundeswehr to effectively protect personnel and equipment. In contrast, the remaining A400Ms in the German fleet, which are configured for logistical missions such as the long-range transport of troops and heavy equipment, will not receive this DIRCM upgrade. This is because they typically operate in less contested airspace, where the threat from infrared-guided missiles is lower. This differentiation in equipment underscores the targeted application of the protection systems to the aircraft exposed to the highest risks.
Autonomous defense against missile threats: technology and integration
The new protection system, developed by the Israeli company Elbit Systems, operates fully autonomously and offers 360-degree threat detection. It is capable of detecting and tracking incoming infrared-guided missiles. It then directs a focused laser beam at the missile's seeker to effectively divert it from its target. This process occurs with little or no crew intervention, ensuring a rapid response in critical situations. The ability to provide autonomous defense is particularly important in dynamic environments where fractions of a second can determine mission success or failure.
Airbus will install the DIRCM systems during scheduled maintenance at its facilities in Manching, Germany, and in Getafe and Seville, Spain. Airbus is currently testing the DIRCM system on a German A400M at its Seville facility, with certification expected by summer 2025. Full integration across all 23 aircraft is expected to be completed by 2032. This is a long-term project that requires careful planning and coordination to avoid disrupting Air Force flight operations.
The contract with Airbus extends beyond installation to comprehensive support services. These include pilot and maintenance training, technical support, and the provision of necessary tools and documentation. These measures are intended to ensure that the systems function optimally and that personnel are able to operate and maintain them effectively. Long-term support is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of this complex technology.
A broader NATO trend: airborne self-protection for transport aircraft
Germany's rearmament efforts reflect a growing realization within NATO. There is increasing recognition that even non-combat platforms such as transport aircraft, tankers, and reconnaissance aircraft must be equipped with robust defense systems. This is a direct response to the proliferation of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and other infrared-guided threats that also characterize asymmetric conflicts. In recent decades, MANPADS have proven to be a serious threat to aircraft, particularly at low altitudes and in insecure areas.
One example of similar developments is the United Kingdom. In October 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence announced the successful testing of its own laser-based self-protection system at the Vidsel test site in Sweden. This system, developed by Team Pellonia (consisting of Leonardo UK, Thales UK, and Dstl), achieved a 100 percent success rate in neutralizing incoming infrared-guided missile threats during live test runs. It is ultimately intended for deployment on Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft such as the Shadow R2 and the A400M. These parallel developments demonstrate that NATO countries recognize the need to comprehensively protect their airlift fleets to ensure the safety of personnel and the effectiveness of operations in an increasingly complex and dangerous airspace. The integration of such systems is an important step towards adapting to modern threat landscapes and strengthening collective defense capabilities.
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