Leonardo to provide protection system for VVIP transport aircraft
The Miysis DIRCM System provides dependable, persistent protection from IR-guided missiles. (Photo: Leonardo)
Leonardo will provide its Miysis Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) to an unspecified Middle Eastern government customer’s new VVIP transport aircraft.
DIRCM will be installed on a Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft, the first of its type to be selected by a government customer.
It will provide complete spherical protection for the aircraft and is able to output more than enough laser energy to provide protection from the most modern infrared-guided missile threats.
The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2022. Mysis is well-suited for installation on other Bombardier aircraft in the challenger and Global families.
DIRCM functions by shining a high-powered laser onto an incoming missile’s targeting system, ‘dazzling’ it and guiding the missile away from the aircraft.
It can defend against multiple, simultaneous incoming missiles and the latest generation of shoulder-launched infrared threats known as Man-Portable Air Defence Systems.
According to the manufacturer, the Miysis DIRCM has been independently verified to have a 100% success rate, with UK and international customers conducting extensive trials.
Miysis is the smallest, lightest and least power-hungry DIRCM system on the market.
More from Air Warfare
-
V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal
Bell Boeing will supply 73 additional ODSSHI kits as NAVAIR prepares to introduce predictive drive-system monitoring across US and Japanese V-22 fleets.
-
AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
-
Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad
European counter-drone developers are securing early orders in the Middle East while slow domestic acquisition processes threaten to redirect production capacity, expertise and investment away from Europe.
-
India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist
With IMRH and DBMRH potentially years from service, India faces a widening rotary-wing capability gap that could drive further foreign purchases even as HAL and Safran build the foundations of an indigenous successor.