Elbit Systems Secures $260 Million Deal to Equip German A400M Planes with Missile Defense Technology

Elbit Systems has landed a $260 million contract from Airbus Defence and Space to supply advanced DIRCM (Directed Infrared Counter Measures) systems for the German Air Force’s A400M military transport aircraft. The project is part of a larger effort by Germany to boost the protection of its strategic air fleet and will be completed over six years.

The system being delivered is Elbit’s J-MUSIC™ DIRCM, a high-tech solution designed to protect aircraft from infrared-guided missiles, particularly MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems)—small, shoulder-fired weapons that pose a serious threat during takeoff, landing, or low-altitude flight.

At the core of the J-MUSIC system is a laser-based countermeasure that works automatically. When a missile is detected, the system tracks the threat in real time using advanced sensors and fires a laser beam to confuse or "blind" the missile's heat-seeking mechanism, throwing it off course. One of the key benefits is that no input from the crew is required during this process—everything happens autonomously.

The system’s modular and compact design makes it easier to install on different aircraft types without affecting flight performance. It can be easily integrated with existing missile warning systems and has already been successfully deployed in countries like Israel, Italy, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Germany itself on other platforms.

This new contract follows a formal procurement decision by Germany’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Operations of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw). It reflects Germany’s commitment to modernizing and protecting its military air transport capabilities.

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, CEO of Elbit Systems, highlighted the importance of the deal, saying, “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.”

He also praised the ongoing cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space, adding that Elbit’s role in enhancing the safety and readiness of the A400M fleet is a significant step in strengthening the company’s global position in aircraft protection technologies.

With increasing threats from portable missile systems in modern conflict zones, Germany’s decision to invest in proven self-protection tech like DIRCM reflects a broader trend across NATO and allied forces to upgrade airborne survivability against modern threats.