In a groundbreaking decision for the safety of the German Air Force, Lufthansa Technik, in close cooperation with Elbit Systems and Airbus, has developed an innovative self-protection system for three Airbus A350s of the German Air Force.
These aircraft, which are among the flagships of the German government fleet, will be equipped with the so-called Directed InfraRed Counter Measures (DIRCM), a state-of-the-art defense system capable of deflecting incoming missiles. The decision to integrate this technology was recently approved by the Defense and Budget Committee of the German Bundestag and represents a milestone in the country's security policy.
The technology behind DIRCM
The DIRCM system, which is fitted to the German Air Force's Airbus A350, is a technology originally developed to protect against infrared-guided missiles. These missiles are particularly dangerous when used by non-state actors, as is increasingly the case in conflict zones. MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) are portable guided missiles equipped with infrared seekers that pose a huge threat to civil and military aircraft. DIRCM systems work by jamming the seeker head of an incoming missile with a so-called "jam code", causing the missile to miss its target. This happens without the aircraft's crew having to actively intervene, making the system particularly reliable and efficient.
In practice, this means that the Airbus A350 is now able to protect itself against one of the most dangerous threats in air defense. The technology has already proven itself in other aircraft, including VIP and head of state aircraft, as well as military platforms. The introduction of this system on the Airbus A350 is a further step towards increased security for the Federal Ministry of Defense's air fleet.
The close cooperation between Lufthansa Technik, Elbit Systems and Airbus
The development and integration of this advanced protection system on the A350 aircraft is the result of intensive cooperation between Lufthansa Technik, the Israeli technology group Elbit Systems and the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. Lufthansa Technik AG is acting as general contractor and is responsible for converting the three Airbus A350s. Lufthansa Technik's technical expertise in the maintenance, servicing and modification of aircraft is fully exploited in this project.
"The Air Force is responsible for Germany's political and parliamentary flight operations. In view of increasing global instability and regional conflicts, the use of MANPADS by non-state actors represents a concrete threat," explains Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. "The security situation requires that Germany ensure the protection of its own leadership. We are therefore proud of this flagship project with Elbit Systems and Airbus and are pleased to contribute our expertise to it."
This collaboration is a prime example of the synergistic effects that arise when leading companies from different sectors work together to increase the safety standards for national air fleets. Wolfgang Bauer, CEO of Elbit Systems Germany, highlights the importance of the project: "We are proud to work with Lufthansa Technik on this important project and thus further strengthen the impact and trust in our solutions."
A premiere for the Airbus A350
The conversion of the three Airbus A350s with the DIRCM system represents the first modification of this aircraft type with such a self-protection system worldwide. This step is particularly noteworthy as the Airbus A350 has not been equipped for such defensive measures in the past. Lufthansa Technik will convert the aircraft during regular maintenance layovers in order to keep availability for flight operations as high as possible. This is crucial as the flight readiness depends on rapid operational readiness.
The DIRCM system will not only make the German Air Force's A350 aircraft safer, but will also help to increase confidence in the German aviation fleet. It shows that Germany is relying not only on proven but also on innovative technology solutions to protect its own leadership and political elite.
Impact on the security situation and international cooperation
The decision to equip the Airbus A350 with such a self-protection system must also be seen against the background of the global security situation. The threat posed by MANPADS, which are also used in crisis regions such as Syria or Yemen, has increased significantly in recent years. While such missiles were originally used mainly by regular armies, they increasingly also pose a danger from non-state actors operating in crisis regions. This threat makes it necessary for states such as Germany to equip their aircraft with advanced defense technologies.
The focus on creating a robust protection system for the government fleet also shows how important international cooperation in defense technology has become. The collaboration between Lufthansa Technik, Elbit Systems and Airbus is an excellent example of how technology companies and government institutions can work together effectively to ensure the protection and security of heads of state and government members.
Equipping three Airbus A350s with the DIRCM self-protection system is a significant step for the German Air Force and represents the world's first integration of such a system into an A350. In cooperation with Elbit Systems and Airbus, Lufthansa Technik will play an important role in ensuring Germany's aviation security. Given the increasing threats from modern guided missiles and global instability, this step is of great importance to ensure the protection of government aircraft and their crew. The decision also shows Germany's commitment to using innovative solutions for the security of its aviation platforms.
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