Israel’s Bird AeroSystems has completed the installation of its SPREOS direct infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) and Aeroshield missile protection systems aboard several Airbus A319s for an undisclosed European customer.

SPREOS – or self-protection radar electro-optic system – features semi-active dual-band radar fused with an infrared tracker and countermeasure capabilities for “precise protection” against portable missile threats.

Bird A319-c-Bird AeroSystems

Source: Bird AeroSystems

Bird management showcase DIRCM installation on A319

Ronen Factor, founder and co-chief executive of Bird AeroSystems, says: “The successful installation of our systems on the customer’s Airbus A319s marks a significant milestone for Bird AeroSystems as the supplier of advanced DIRCM technology and comprehensive airborne self-protection systems.”

In addition to the A319s, the podded Aeroshield system was also installed on the customer’s Dassault Falcon 7X, says Bird AeroSystems.

Several European countries operate the A319 for head-of-state or other transport missions. The Hungarian air force, for example, flies a pair of the Airbus narrowbodies, alongside two Falcon 7X business jets.

Hungary A319-c-Hungarian defence forces

Source: Hungarian defence forces

Budapest operates a pair of A319s for a variety of transport missions

Dominic Perry is deputy editor of Flight International but also contributes extensively to flightglobal.com. Although specialising in the coverage of the helicopter industry, he has written on most topics in aerospace – be they commercial, defence or business aviation. In addition, there has been an increasing focus on the decarbonisation of the industry and zero-emission flight initiatives.View full Profile

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