NATO has tested a direct infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) self-protection system onboard its Airbus A330-derived Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (known as MFF), during which it demonstrated an ability to defeat simulated threats that were targeted at the aircraft.

Elbit's J-Music DIRCM system was integrated onto the Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) during the three-day test that took place at Getafe Airfield from May 27 to 30, showcasing an ability to protect the aircraft from simultaneous threats approaching it from the front, side, and tail from various ranges and altitudes.

The system is expected to be certified for use on the aircraft before year-end and delivered in 2020 under the terms of a contract signed in 2017, which was awarded to protect the aircraft against a rise in the threat from shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles.

MMF is a multinational effort through which Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Norway will acquire, manage, operate and support an eight-strong fleet of MRTTs—as well as options for three more—from Eindhoven in the Netherlands and Cologne in Germany. They are procured by the European Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) collaborative armaments procurement agency, which supported the trials along with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency that manages the fleet, along with Airbus and Elbit.

The Israeli electronics company says that DIRCM is an open architecture-based system that uses laser technology alongside a high frame rate thermal camera and small high-speed sealed-mirror turret to provide the defense against heat-seeking infrared missiles.