The flagships of Germany's government flight operations are to be equipped with a self-defence system to guard against infrared-guided missiles. After the Defence and Budget Committees of the German federal parliament had previously approved the project, Lufthansa Technik was commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to equip the long-haul fleet of the Federal Ministry of Defence's Special Air Mission Wing. The three Airbus A350s, for whose conversion Lufthansa Technik had already acted as general contractor, will be equipped with a so-called DIRCM system.

DIRCM stands for 'Directed InfraRed Counter Measures' and comprises systems for protection against enemy guided missiles, usually fired from the shoulder (so-called Man-Portable Air Defense Systems, or MANPADS for short) and using infrared seeker heads. Through DIRCM, the latter is specifically deflected by transmitted jamming codes. The aircrew does not have to actively intervene. Such systems are already in use on various aircraft types worldwide and offer proven, high-quality protection for VIP and head of state aircraft as well as military platforms.

“The Special Mission Air Wing is responsible for Germany's political-parliamentary flight operations. 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, vice president, special aircraft services at Lufthansa Technik. “The security situation demands that Germany ensures the protection of its own leadership. We are therefore proud of this lighthouse project with Elbit Systems and Airbus and look forward to contributing our expertise.”

The contract awarded to Lufthansa Technik represents the world's first modification of an A350 aircraft with such a self-defence system. In order to keep availability for flight operations as high as possible, Lufthansa Technik will equip the three aircraft with the DIRCM system one after the other during their regular maintenance layovers.