Airbus has secured a significant contract with the German arms procurement agency to enhance the defensive capabilities of the German Air Force’s fleet of A400M military transport aircraft. Under this agreement, 23 A400M aircraft will be fitted with advanced Directed Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) systems, developed by Elbit Systems.
The DIRCM technology is specifically designed to protect aircraft against infrared homing missiles, which are commonly launched from portable air-defense systems. This enhancement aims to bolster the safety and operational flexibility of the A400M fleet during various missions.
The contract includes comprehensive provisions for training, service bulletins, and necessary tools to ensure effective integration and operation of the new systems. Airbus teams are set to perform the installations during the aircraft’s scheduled maintenance cycles at facilities in Manching, Germany, as well as in Getafe and Sevilla, Spain. Currently, the DIRCM system is undergoing testing on a German Air Force A400M in Sevilla, with the certification process expected to conclude by summer 2025 and installations to be completed by 2032.
Gerd Weber, Head of the A400M program at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the A400M’s diverse operational capabilities, stating, “Transporting troops, equipment and humanitarian supplies, refueling other aircraft and helicopters in the air, serving as a flying hospital for the treatment of wounded personnel – the Airbus A400M is the face and workhorse of the German Air Force.” He further noted that the DIRCM system would significantly enhance the safety of A400M crews during missions worldwide, while also expanding the aircraft’s extensive range of applications.
The German Air Force operates a total of 42 A400M aircraft, which are utilized for a variety of tasks, including air transport, refueling operations, and medical evacuation missions. The specific aircraft designated for the DIRCM installation will primarily support tactical operations and medical evacuation efforts.
The A400M is known for its impressive transport capabilities, with the ability to carry and airdrop both personnel and various materials. It can accommodate up to 116 passengers and boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 141 tons. The aircraft has an operational ceiling of around 12,000 meters (39,370 feet) and can travel up to 3,300 kilometers (2,050 miles) at full payload. The A400M reaches a maximum speed of 750 kilometers (466 miles) per hour, achieving an altitude of 10,000 meters (32,789 feet), with a cruising speed of Mach 0.68 (approximately 840 kilometers or 522 miles per hour). This combination of capabilities underscores the A400M’s critical role within the German Air Force’s operational framework.
