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NSPA to support MRTT countermeasure systems

8th May 2024 - 16:30 GMT | by Shephard News Team in London

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NSPA will help support MRTT DIRCM systems. (Photo: Airbus)

Elbit’s J-MUSIC was the latest incarnation of the company’s MUSIC Direction Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) product. J-MUSIC differs from other members of the MUSIC family in that it is configured as a distributed system designed to outfit medium-to-large fixed-wing aircraft.

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) will support the maintenance of counter-measure systems on member nations’ Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft following completion of test and evaluation.

Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) are equipped with the Elbit Systems J-MUSIC DIRCM system against infrared man-portable shoulder fired ground/air systems.

NSPA will support the Multinational MRTT Unit (MMU) with the maintenance of J-MUSIC through the provision of consumables, special tooling and equipment to set up the capability within the NSPA in-house workshop.

On 21 March, the MMU received the Military Aviation Authority (MAA-NLD) approval which included the extension of the scope for component maintenance on DIRCM Systems within NSPA. On 4 April 2024, the first article test was completed and concluded successfully to achieve approval to support J-MUSIC DIRCM.

Bart Hummel NSPA MRTT programme head said long turn-round-times and vulnerable supply chains “are a risk to ensure MMF operational readiness and effectiveness.”

“NSPA has undergone inspections and audits by both MMU and MAA-NLD to verify their compliance with airworthiness standards.

“It also creates a potential for NSPA to offer this capability to other J-Music operators, as part of our vision to extend the customer base and scope.”