NSPA to support MRTT countermeasure systems
NSPA will help support MRTT DIRCM systems. (Photo: Airbus)
Elbit’s J-MUSIC was the latest incarnation of the company’s MUSIC Direction Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) product. J-MUSIC differs from other members of the MUSIC family in that it is configured as a distributed system designed to outfit medium-to-large fixed-wing aircraft.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) will support the maintenance of counter-measure systems on member nations’ Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft following completion of test and evaluation.
Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) are equipped with the Elbit Systems J-MUSIC DIRCM system against infrared man-portable shoulder fired ground/air systems.
NSPA will support the Multinational MRTT Unit (MMU) with the maintenance of J-MUSIC through the provision of consumables, special tooling and equipment to set up the capability within the NSPA in-house workshop.
On 21 March, the MMU received the Military Aviation Authority (MAA-NLD) approval which included the extension of the scope for component maintenance on DIRCM Systems within NSPA. On 4 April 2024, the first article test was completed and concluded successfully to achieve approval to support J-MUSIC DIRCM.
Bart Hummel NSPA MRTT programme head said long turn-round-times and vulnerable supply chains “are a risk to ensure MMF operational readiness and effectiveness.”
“NSPA has undergone inspections and audits by both MMU and MAA-NLD to verify their compliance with airworthiness standards.
“It also creates a potential for NSPA to offer this capability to other J-Music operators, as part of our vision to extend the customer base and scope.”
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns]()
UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns
The report comes as heads of industry bodies warn that the delayed defence spending plan has left smaller and medium sized businesses in stasis, unable to plan or seek out further investment.
-
![Norway revitalises effort to acquire a tactical-class UAV with $103 million competition]()
Norway revitalises effort to acquire a tactical-class UAV with $103 million competition
Norway first scoped the requirement in 2022, and included it in a defence strategy document in 2023. The announcement of a new framework agreement appears to have breathed fresh life into the effort.
-
![March Drone Digest: Long-range, low-cost loitering munitions are changing warfare economics]()
March Drone Digest: Long-range, low-cost loitering munitions are changing warfare economics
The effective use of the Shahed-136 in the Iran war has highlighted the need for countries to acquire a domestically produced, low-cost, long-range loitering munition, with the US, Turkey and European nations all at various stages of developing a similar capability.
-
![US Air Force is eyeing cost-effective automated counter-drone solutions]()
US Air Force is eyeing cost-effective automated counter-drone solutions
The USAF is seeking on-the-move systems, subsystems or technologies capable of defending airbases and fixed and semi-fixed sites against small drone attacks.
-
![Long-range drone acquisition axed as Norway announces $11.75 billion spending uplift]()
Long-range drone acquisition axed as Norway announces $11.75 billion spending uplift
Norway’s funding boost will help the country reach 3.5% of GDP on defence spending by 2035, with autonomous systems part of the long list of priorities alongside frigate acquisition and development of a new Finnmark Brigade.
