Elbit Systems has been awarded a contract to provide self-protection equipment for use on the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF’s) incoming Gulfstream G650 VIP transport.
Announcing the deal on 14 July, the Israeli company said it will supply its J-Music direct infrared countermeasures and Infra-Red-based Passive Airborne Warning System, or IR-PAWS, for installation on the long-range business jet. The combination will provide “high levels of protection and redundancy”, it adds.
The RNLAF is due to take delivery of its new G650 later this year, with the aircraft to replace its current VIP-tasked Gulfstream IV. Cirium fleets data records that aircraft – registered as V-11 – as having been operated by the service since December 1995, and delivered to its original operator (L Brands) in December 1986.
“The rising threat that aircraft face from shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles increases the demand for certified and operationally proven self-protection systems,” says Oren Sabag, general manager of Elbit’s ISTAR & EW business.
“These systems have accumulated hundreds of thousands of flight hours to date,” notes Elbit, with equipment fitted on more than 25 aircraft types.
