Elbit Systems has been awarded a $46 million contract to equip a future pooled NATO fleet of Airbus A330 tankers with its J-Music directional infrared countermeasures self-protection equipment.

Announced by the Israeli company on 19 December, the contract will provide J-Music turrets for installation on the A330s to be assigned to the multinational multi-role tanker transport fleet. Elbit says its deal is for work to be performed over a four-year period.

Four nations – Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway – have so for committed to acquiring seven modified A330s from Airbus Defence & Space, to be operated on a pooled basis under NATO command. Another four aircraft could be added to the fleet if additional partners join the initiative.

Airbus Defence & Space

Peter Dohmen, general manager of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, says the integration of the turret-housed J-Music system "will allow the aircraft, crew and passengers to operate more safely in hostile environments".

Source: FlightGlobal.com