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Elbit Systems to deliver DIRCM countermeasures for UAE’s MRTT fleet

MRTT DIRCM
Pilots from Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet checking out the Elbit Systems J-MUSIC DIRCM turret. Photo: NSPA

Elbit Systems’ subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Elbit Systems Emirates Limited – has secured a $53 million contract to supply Direct Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) and airborne electronic warfare (EW) systems for the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft of the UAE Air Force.

Under the contract, Elbit Systems Emirates will deliver a multi-turret configuration of the J-MUSIC self-protection system together with the company’s infra-red-based passive airborne warning system.

The contract will be performed over a five-year period.

Elbit Systems noted that the signing of this contract was enabled by the Abraham Accords, an agreement aimed at normalizing the relations between Arab countries and Israel signed in September 2021.

The company’s DIRCM systems have accumulated more than 350,000 operational flight hours to date, and are installed onboard more than 25 types of aircraft.

Elbit says it is witnessing a growing demand for this type of self-protection capabilities in light of the rising threat that aircraft face from shoulder fired anti-aircraft missiles.