Elbit Systems announced on January 24 the signature of a 5-year in-service support contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for the Direct Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) systems supplied to the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet. The contract includes the establishment of a service center, located at NSPA, to provide support and logistics to the system.

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Equipped to provide comprehensive support to the NATO MRTT fleet equipped with the DIRCM system, the NSPA dedicated facility, in Luxembourg, will be an essential resource for the fleet  (Picture source: NATO)

Equipped to provide comprehensive support to the NATO MRTT fleet equipped with the DIRCM system, the NSPA dedicated facility, in Luxembourg, will be an essential resource for the fleet, providing the necessary expertise, equipment, and maintenance.The center will provide repair, spare partsand maintenance services to ensure that all systems are operating at optimal levels.

In addition, Elbit was awarded a follow-up contract from NSPA for an additional J-Music system, part of the MUSIC DIRCM family. The laser-basedfully autonomous system provides comprehensive protection against advanced heat-seeking ground-to-air missiles. To date, seven systems are already integrated, certified and operational on NATO MRTTs.

Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR &EW: “Demand for our DIRCM systems is growing due to increased threats posed to aircraft. We are proud to provide NATO with a logistics and service center for local repair and maintenanceof our systems.”

Jan Der Kinderen, MMF System Manager of NSPA: “The Follow-on Support contract, and the new maintenance facility at NSPA, builds on our excellent relationship with Elbit and to ensure optimal support to our MRTT fleet”.
he multinational fleet arrangement is a concrete step towards reducing the overall European shortage in air-to-air refuelling and the over-reliance on U.S. capabilities. The participants – Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Norway - are now awaiting the delivery of eight Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft. The first two aircraft are expected to be delivered in May and June 2020, respectively. While the aircraft will be predominantly used for air-to-air refuelling, they can also be used for the transport of people, cargo and for medical evacuation.

The initiative has been supported by NATO and the European Union. It is an example of effective cooperation between the two organizations when delivering critical capabilities for its members. The aircraft are owned by NATO and procured by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency through the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation. “I am pleased to see our two organizations come together in this way and hope to see more initiatives like this one in the future,” said NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana.