An illustration of the Israeli-developed J-MUSIC laser system that Elbit Systems Ltd. will install on German transport planes. Photo: Courtesy of Elbit.

JNS.org – Haifa-based Elbit Systems Ltd. will equip Germany’s new Airbus A400 fleet of transport planes with Israeli-developed laser technology to counter the threat of shoulder missiles, Elbit announced Monday.

Elbit said it had been awarded a contract to install its “J-MUSIC multi-spectral Directed Infrared Counter Measure (DIRCM) systems for the first phase of the German air force’s self-protection program.” The project, which will last 12 months, is part of a joint endeavor with the German corporation Diehl Defense.

“Designed to protect large military and commercial aircraft against attacks by ground to air heat-seeking man-portable missiles (MANPADS), the J-MUSIC systems will be integrated into a multi-turret DIRCM system, ensuring 360-degree protection of the aircraft,” Elbit said, noting that it has “completed extensive testing of the J-MUSIC system and has already delivered systems to equip several types of aircraft to various customers.”