The United Kingdom has selected Leonardo’s Miysis Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) and MAIR Threat Warning system to protect a VIP-configured Airbus A330 aircraft. According to Leonardo, the system will be installed by Jet Aviation at its maintenance and modification facility as part of the aircraft’s conversion for VIP transport operations.
This system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize infrared-guided missiles, which pose a significant threat to aircraft operating in conflict zones or high-risk areas. According to Leonardo, the Miysis DIRCM system has demonstrated a 100% success rate during real-world tests, providing operators with a high level of confidence. The MAIR threat warning system detects potential missile threats using infrared cameras that identify heat signatures and relay the data to the Miysis DIRCM. The DIRCM then uses a laser to blind the missile’s seeker, rendering it unable to lock onto the aircraft.
The Miysis DIRCM system is compact, lightweight, and reportedly maintenance-free after installation, which the manufacturer highlights as a cost-saving feature. It can be installed on a wide range of aircraft, from helicopters to wide-body jets, with the company claiming that its integration does not interfere with the operation of existing onboard systems or affect the aircraft’s performance.
Infrared-guided missiles, particularly those launched from man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), pose a significant threat to aviation, especially in conflict zones. In its announcement, Leonardo highlighted that its protection systems are already installed on aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom, other NATO member states, and countries in the Middle East.
The high demand for Leonardo’s system underscores the growing interest in and necessity for advanced countermeasure technologies to protect high-value assets amid increasingly complex threats. Such systems are gradually becoming standard equipment for VIP and military aircraft, a trend further driven by the proliferation of man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS).
While Leonardo positions the Miysis DIRCM and MAIR systems as solutions for aircraft operating in high-risk zones, this selection also highlights ongoing investments in aviation security technologies. The system is likely intended to safeguard key personnel and assets, reflecting the critical importance of advanced protective measures in modern aviation.
Source: ukdefencejournal
