Weaponized Airbus A350: The defense systems of Germany’s ‘Air Force One’
The Airbus A350 is becoming a common sight at international airports as airlines build up their fleets of the efficient widebody aircraft. But only one nation so far has picked the aircraft as its VIP transport – Germany.
Used for transportation of high-ranking government officials, the three Airbus A350s owned by the Bundeswehr are the German equivalent of the iconic ‘Air Force One,’ as it is in the US. And just like the Boeing 747-based VC-25s of the US Air Force, these A350s need to be able to defend themselves in the event of an attack.
Lufthansa TechnikOriginally, the German government had opted not to install countermeasure equipment on the A350s in light of cost and operational disruption. But as the geopolitical situation continued to decline through 2024, the government committed to installing self-protection systems, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius commenting:
“The safety of our passengers and crew is my top priority. I am therefore delighted that our long-haul fleet is receiving this important self-protection. In close coordination with the Air Force, our modern Airbus A350s will be equipped so that they will also have the most modern security features.”
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What self-defense systems are the German A350s getting?
Specifically, the Airbus A350s will be getting what is known as a Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) self-protection system. The system is designed to protect against guided missiles using infrared seeker heads.
These types of missiles are often launched from the shoulder, known as Man-Portable Air Defense Systems or MANPADS. The DIRCM system protects the aircraft by directing a powerful laser beam toward the incoming missile’s seeker, effectively jamming it and causing it to lose track of the aircraft. You can watch it in action in the video below.
While the Bundeswehr A350s will be the first to have a DIRCM system installed, their use across the military aviation fleet is widespread. Various military aircraft are already flying with such systems equipped, including many A330 MRTTs, Embraer KC-390s, Germany’s own A400Ms, and many more.
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Since 1959, Lufthansa Technik has been providing support and maintenance for all the aircraft of the German Special Air Mission Wing – the branch of the Bundeswehr responsible for the VIP aircraft. Naturally, the installation of the DIRCM system will be completed by Lufthansa Technik, in partnership with Israeli Elbit Systems and Airbus.
Lufthansa Technik“In view of increasing global instability and regional conflicts, the use of MANPADS by non-state actors, among others, poses a concrete threat,” says Michael von Puttkamer, Lufthansa Technik’s Vice President of Special Aircraft Services. “The security situation demands that Germany ensures the protection of its own leadership.”
Specifically, the German A350s will have Elbit’s J-MUSIC system installed, the same system used on its A400Ms. The system can be effective as a single turret installed on the belly of the aircraft, or as dual or even triple turrets installed around the plane.
Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems, noted, “Our DIRCM technology has consistently demonstrated its reliability and effectiveness, solidifying its position as a market leader and innovator in this important field.”
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When will the German A350s get their self-defense systems?
While Germany has committed to installing the J-MUSIC DIRCM system, the modification will take time. Germany does not want to compromise its operational efficiency by taking the A350s out of service all at once, so instead will have the technology installed during regular maintenance checks, one aircraft at a time, over the next five years.
The modification by Lufthansa Technik will be the first time an A350 has had self-defense measures installed.
The only commercial aircraft using self-defense systems are flown by Israeli airlines including EL AL. They use a variation of the same technology by Elbit systems known as C-MUSIC to detect and counter infrared-guided missiles.The post Weaponized Airbus A350: The defense systems of Germany’s ‘Air Force One’ appeared first on AeroTime.
The Airbus A350 is becoming a common sight at international airports as airlines build up their fleets of…
The post Weaponized Airbus A350: The defense systems of Germany’s ‘Air Force One’ appeared first on AeroTime.
