International defence technology provider Leonardo is responding to the proliferation of inexpensive-yet-deadly man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) across the Indo Pacific, which is generating strong regional demand for countermeasures known as DIRCM (Directed Infra-Red Counter Measures). Both state and non-state actors (such as pirates and terrorists) are operating MANPADS in a variety of flash points in regional area disputes, this highlights an alarming threat to transport aircraft, helicopters and other platform types, crew and cargo.
Miysis DIRCM offers life-saving protection from this threat by shining a high-powered laser onto an incoming missile’s targeting system, ‘dazzling’ it and forcing the missile off-course away from the aircraft.
Once the preserve of U.S. Armed Forces and close allies, DIRCM systems are now available to customers in the region, with Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM being part of the U.K. MoD’s Next Generation Air Survivability (NGAS) approach to aircraft self-protection. Leonardo is currently exhibiting the system at Singapore Airshow, stand B-H39.
Having already delivered Miysis DIRCM to the U.K. MoD and a number of other NATO and non-NATO nations, Leonardo is expecting to hold discussions in Singapore with a range of interested regional governments and armed forces looking to modify and equip their aircraft with protection against infrared-guided missiles. Designed and produced in the U.K., Miysis DIRCM is readily exportable.
Unique to Leonardo, decades of experience in laser and precision targeting enables the Miysis threat defeat process to happen at lightning-fast speed, meaning it can defend against multiple, simultaneous incoming missiles. Meanwhile, the system’s integrated multiple-head installation ensures complete spherical protection around the aircraft, even during manoeuvres. This contrasts with the more basic single-head systems on the market, which suffer from blind spots when the aircraft is not flying straight and level.
Extensive analysis and live fire trials by U.K. and international customers has confirmed that Miysis DIRCM can defeat 100% of incoming infrared missiles.