The German Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with the Israeli company Elbit Systems to supply J-MUSIC laser protection systems for 23 A400M military transport aircraft. This is reported by Defense Express. The total value of the deal is $260 million, or approximately $11.3 million per unit. The financing was approved on June 4, and the project is expected to last six years.
J-MUSIC belongs to the DIRCM (Directed Infrared Counter Measures) class and is designed to counter missiles with infrared homing heads, including MANPADS. The system detects the launch of a missile, after which it directs an infrared laser beam at its head, blinding sensors and forcing the missile to lose its target. The compact design allows it to be integrated into the aircraft fuselage without changes, without affecting flight characteristics.
The German Air Force currently operates 48 A400M aircraft and expects to receive another 5 under current contract. Previously, these aircraft were only equipped with missile launch detection systems and automatic firing of thermal traps and dipole reflectors. The installation of J-MUSIC will be the first use of DIRCM on German A400Ms. The systems will be installed during scheduled maintenance of the aircraft.
Similar solutions are already in use in the US and UK, including on C-17 and MC-130 cargo aircraft and CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. J-MUSIC has also been installed on Airbus A330-200 MRTT tankers and, according to unconfirmed reports, on the French presidential aircraft A330-200 Présidentiel.
By the way, Turkey recently successfully tested a similar YILDIRIM-100 laser-based missile defense system for its combat aircraft. After testing, it is planned to install it on the Turkish fifth-generation fighter KAAN.