Defense & Military
Elbit Systems Secures $275M Asia-Pacific Helicopter Self-Protection Contract
Elbit Systems awarded $275 million contract to supply advanced EW and Mini-MUSIC DIRCM self-protection systems for helicopters in Asia-Pacific.
This article is based on an official press release from Elbit Systems.
Elbit Systems Ltd. has announced the securing of contracts valued at approximately $275 million to supply a comprehensive airborne self-protection suite to an undisclosed country in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the company’s official statement released on Monday, the agreement spans a five-year performance period and focuses on equipping the customer’s helicopter fleet with advanced defensive technologies.
The deal underscores the continuing demand for sophisticated Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities in the region. Under the terms of the contract, Elbit Systems will provide a solution that integrates the Mini-MUSIC™ Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) system with a broader EW suite. These systems are designed to detect, identify, and neutralize modern threats, specifically heat-seeking ground-to-air missiles.
The primary focus of the $275 million agreement is the enhancement of rotary-wing survivability. As detailed in the press release, the solution includes a complete EW suite tailored to the operational requirements of the client’s helicopter platform. The suite is engineered to provide automated threat response, reducing pilot workload during combat operations.
Central to this self-protection suite is the Mini-MUSIC™ system. According to Elbit Systems’ product specifications, this technology belongs to the MUSIC family of infrared countermeasures. It is specifically designed for small-to-medium rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.
The system functions by detecting incoming infrared-guided missiles, often referred to as Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS), and directing a precise laser beam into the missile’s seeker. This action “blinds” the guidance mechanism, causing the missile to deviate from its trajectory. Industry data indicates that the Mini-MUSIC system is lightweight and compact, making it suitable for platforms where payload weight is a critical operational constraint.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, emphasized the strategic nature of the agreement and the company’s foothold in the Asia-Pacific market.
“These contracts reflect the growing trust of our Asia-Pacific customers in Elbit Systems’ advanced, combat-proven self-protection solutions for helicopters… We are proud to continue strengthening our partnerships and supporting our customers’ evolving needs in this important region.”
, Bezhalel Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems
While Elbit Systems has not disclosed the specific nation involved in this contract, the deal aligns with a broader trend of military modernization across the Asia-Pacific region. Nations in this theater are increasingly investing in “safety net” technologies to protect high-value airborne assets from asymmetric threats.
This contract follows a series of strategic wins for Elbit in the area. Previous reporting and company announcements have highlighted the supply of EW suites for transport aircraft and maritime patrol solutions to various Asia-Pacific defense forces. The integration of DIRCM systems onto helicopter fleets suggests a specific focus on counter-insurgency or littoral operations where the threat of MANPADS is elevated.
Sources: Elbit Systems (via PRNewswire), Elbit Systems Product Data
Elbit Systems Awarded $275 Million Contract for Helicopter Self-Protection in Asia-Pacific
Contract Scope and Technology
Mini-MUSIC™ DIRCM System
Executive Commentary
AirPro News Analysis: Regional Defense Trends
Sources
Photo Credit: Elbit Systems