New infrared decoys for French military helicopters
As part of the French economic recovery plan, on 18 May 2009, the DGA (French defence procurement agency) awarded a contract to Etienne Lacroix Tous Artifices SA (Etienne Lacroix group), for enhancing the self-protection of helicopters from all three French services with infrared decoys. The contract is worth Eur 13.5 million overall.
The defence component of the economic recovery plan amounts to Eur 2.4 billion and provides for a 10% increase of all funds earmarked for equipment in 2009.
This order equates to 68,500 hours of productive capacity of engineers, technicians and workers – ie about 25 people working full-time for a little less than two years, at the contractor and several of its subcontracting SMEs. It is based on works provided by the 2009-2014 military planning law.
The contract addresses the development and supply of new infrared decoys against cutting-edge very-short-range air-defence missiles. It also provides for the design of future decoys adapted to anticipated missile threats.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first]()
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
![Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme]()
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
![Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters]()
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
![Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo]()
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
![Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters]()
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
![Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters]()
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.
