Airbus has signed a contract with Germany’s defense procurement agency BAAINBw to install infrared countermeasure systems on 23 A400M aircraft operated by the German Air Force. The Directed Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) will provide enhanced protection for crews against infrared-guided missile threats during tactical operations.
The contract includes the delivery of Elbit Systems’ DIRCM solution, as well as training, support tools, and technical documentation. Installation will be carried out at Airbus facilities in Manching, Germany, and in Getafe and Seville, Spain. The upgrade is scheduled to be completed by 2032.
The A400Ms selected for the upgrade are configured for tactical roles, including medical evacuation in high-risk environments. The aircraft not included in this retrofit serve in logistical roles, such as long-range transport of troops and heavy equipment.
Certification trials for the DIRCM system are currently underway in Seville and are expected to conclude by summer 2025.
