Germany to Equip A400M Transport Aircraft with Israeli Anti-Missile System
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According to information published by the Israeli Company Elbit Systems on 28 July 2025, the German Air Force has signed a contract worth approximately $260 million with Airbus Defence and Space, under which Elbit Systems will provide its J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system to equip Germany’s fleet of Airbus A400M transport aircraft. The six-year agreement was secured through Germany’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) and represents a significant upgrade to the nation’s airborne self-defence capabilities.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The A400M can transport up to 37 tonnes of cargo or 116 fully equipped troops, carry large and heavy military vehicles, helicopters, or pallets (Picture source: Bundeswehr)
The J-MUSIC DIRCM system is part of Elbit Systems’ MUSIC family of airborne self-protection solutions, designed to defend aircraft against infrared-guided missile threats, particularly those launched from man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS). The integration of advanced laser technology with high-performance imaging systems enables the system to detect, track, and disrupt incoming missile threats in real time, providing autonomous protection without requiring crew intervention. The system is characterised by its modular and scalable architecture, allowing for integration with a wide range of aircraft platforms and missile warning systems. Its compact form factor ensures minimal impact on aircraft performance and payload capacity. It is considered the most advanced model in Elbit’s DIRCM product line, developed over the past two decades.
Elbit’s DIRCM systems have already been integrated into several aircraft from different NATO countries, such as the Netherlands (Gulfstream 650 (G650)). It also maintains partnerships with countries such as Israel, Italy, and Brazil. On top of military aircraft, Elbit’s systems have been installed on civilian aircraft operated by Israir, El Al, and Arkia, and are also used on high-value mission aircraft, including the A330 aircraft operated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The A400M Atlas is a new-generation military transport aircraft designed by Airbus Military, now Airbus Defence and Space, as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities to replace older transport aircraft such as the Transall C-160 and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The aircraft first flew in 2007, but delays and funding issues postponed its introduction until 2013. Germany has ordered a total of 53 A400M aircraft, all of which are assigned to Air Transport Wing 62 (Lufttransportgeschwader 62) based at Wunstorf Air Base in Lower Saxony. As of mid-2025, 42 aircraft have been delivered, with the final units expected by the end of 2026.
The A400M can transport up to 37 tonnes of cargo or 116 fully equipped troops, and carry large and heavy military vehicles, helicopters, or pallets. It is powered by four Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines, which allow it to operate from unprepared or short airstrips. Its 340-cubic-metre cargo hold allows for the transport of outsized loads, including armoured vehicles. The aircraft supports both air-drop missions and air-to-air refuelling operations, having been certified as a multi-role tanker since 2019. It can refuel fixed-wing aircraft such as Eurofighters and Tornados, as well as helicopters like the H145M and CH-53. The cockpit is fully digital and optimised for a two-person crew, with Head-Up Displays (HUDs), fly-by-wire control systems, and full compatibility with night vision goggles.
The integration of Elbit Systems’ J-MUSIC DIRCM into the German A400M fleet represents an important step in enhancing the operational survivability of one of the Bundeswehr’s most strategic air assets. With German forces potentially deploying in regions where infrared-guided threats are prevalent, this upgrade ensures the A400M can continue to operate safely in contested airspace. It also aligns with NATO-wide efforts to harden high-value transport platforms against asymmetric threats.
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According to information published by the Israeli Company Elbit Systems on 28 July 2025, the German Air Force has signed a contract worth approximately $260 million with Airbus Defence and Space, under which Elbit Systems will provide its J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system to equip Germany’s fleet of Airbus A400M transport aircraft. The six-year agreement was secured through Germany’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) and represents a significant upgrade to the nation’s airborne self-defence capabilities.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The A400M can transport up to 37 tonnes of cargo or 116 fully equipped troops, carry large and heavy military vehicles, helicopters, or pallets (Picture source: Bundeswehr)
The J-MUSIC DIRCM system is part of Elbit Systems’ MUSIC family of airborne self-protection solutions, designed to defend aircraft against infrared-guided missile threats, particularly those launched from man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS). The integration of advanced laser technology with high-performance imaging systems enables the system to detect, track, and disrupt incoming missile threats in real time, providing autonomous protection without requiring crew intervention. The system is characterised by its modular and scalable architecture, allowing for integration with a wide range of aircraft platforms and missile warning systems. Its compact form factor ensures minimal impact on aircraft performance and payload capacity. It is considered the most advanced model in Elbit’s DIRCM product line, developed over the past two decades.
Elbit’s DIRCM systems have already been integrated into several aircraft from different NATO countries, such as the Netherlands (Gulfstream 650 (G650)). It also maintains partnerships with countries such as Israel, Italy, and Brazil. On top of military aircraft, Elbit’s systems have been installed on civilian aircraft operated by Israir, El Al, and Arkia, and are also used on high-value mission aircraft, including the A330 aircraft operated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The A400M Atlas is a new-generation military transport aircraft designed by Airbus Military, now Airbus Defence and Space, as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities to replace older transport aircraft such as the Transall C-160 and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The aircraft first flew in 2007, but delays and funding issues postponed its introduction until 2013. Germany has ordered a total of 53 A400M aircraft, all of which are assigned to Air Transport Wing 62 (Lufttransportgeschwader 62) based at Wunstorf Air Base in Lower Saxony. As of mid-2025, 42 aircraft have been delivered, with the final units expected by the end of 2026.
The A400M can transport up to 37 tonnes of cargo or 116 fully equipped troops, and carry large and heavy military vehicles, helicopters, or pallets. It is powered by four Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines, which allow it to operate from unprepared or short airstrips. Its 340-cubic-metre cargo hold allows for the transport of outsized loads, including armoured vehicles. The aircraft supports both air-drop missions and air-to-air refuelling operations, having been certified as a multi-role tanker since 2019. It can refuel fixed-wing aircraft such as Eurofighters and Tornados, as well as helicopters like the H145M and CH-53. The cockpit is fully digital and optimised for a two-person crew, with Head-Up Displays (HUDs), fly-by-wire control systems, and full compatibility with night vision goggles.
The integration of Elbit Systems’ J-MUSIC DIRCM into the German A400M fleet represents an important step in enhancing the operational survivability of one of the Bundeswehr’s most strategic air assets. With German forces potentially deploying in regions where infrared-guided threats are prevalent, this upgrade ensures the A400M can continue to operate safely in contested airspace. It also aligns with NATO-wide efforts to harden high-value transport platforms against asymmetric threats.
