On Monday, January 5, 2025, the Israeli company Elbit Systems announced that it had received two contracts worth a combined total of approximately 150 million USD from undisclosed European countries for the supply of DIRCM (Directed Infrared Countermeasure) self-protection systems for aircraft.
Photo: Elbit Systems
Under the first contract, Elbit Systems will equip the aircraft fleet of a European country with state-of-the-art DIRCM technology solutions, providing an advanced layer of protection for high-value airborne platforms. Additional orders include the delivery of DIRCM systems for the transport aircraft fleets of European NATO member states, enhancing operational safety and the survivability of strategic airlift missions.
These agreements complement a growing number of contracts that the Israeli company has concluded across Europe and worldwide to protect fleets of high-value aircraft. Notable examples include Germany with its Airbus A400M-180 Atlas transport aircraft (a total of 23 aircraft will be integrated), an initially undisclosed country operating Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters and Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft (later confirmed to be the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which is currently awaiting deliveries of both 12 H225M helicopters and five C-390 aircraft), as well as Canada with nine CC-330 Husky transport and tanker aircraft (the local designation for the Airbus A330 MRTT).
Among other DIRCM system customers are governments, air forces, and ministries of defense from countries such as Israel, Italy, and Brazil. The system is used on a wide range of military and commercial aircraft worldwide, providing proven, high-quality protection and reinforcing its position as a preferred solution for airborne platform protection.
The DIRCM package includes Elbit Systems’ advanced digital radar warning receiver, an infrared missile warning system (MWS), a laser warning system (LWS), a countermeasures dispensing system (CMDS), and the J-MUSIC DIRCM (Direct Infrared Countermeasures) aircraft protection system from the MUSIC family. Its purpose is to protect aircraft against missiles guided by infrared seekers.
Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW:
“The continued trust the European and global community places in Elbit Systems’ DIRCM self-protection solutions reflects the company’s growing reputation as an innovative airborne defense technology provider, offering effective protection for aircraft and personnel against the most advanced threats.”
Elbit Systems has secured $150M in new contracts to equip additional European fleets with our DIRCM self-protection systems, including the proven J-MUSIC™ solution.
These systems deliver cutting-edge defense against MANPADS, ensuring the safety of strategic airlift missions and… pic.twitter.com/EQhJdcVwBi— Elbit Systems (@ElbitSystemsLtd) January 5, 2026
