In a significant boost to tactical airlift survivability, Terma has delivered a critical upgrade to the Franco-German Binational Air Transport Squadron (BATS). The enhancement centers on the integration of the Leonardo Miysis Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system into the existing Terma Defensive Aids Controller (DAC) aboard the squadron’s C-130J-30 fleet.
This latest development builds upon a foundation laid in 2021, when Terma first equipped the aircraft with its DAC, Missile Warning Systems (MWS), and countermeasures dispensers. The DAC functions as the central “brain” of the Aircraft Survivability Suite, fusing data from various sensors to automate and deploy the most effective countermeasures instantly. By adding the Miysis DIRCM, the system gains a powerful tool to actively “jam” or disrupt the guidance systems of incoming infrared-guided missiles, moving beyond mere decoy dispensing to direct-threat negation.
The architecture of the Terma DAC is inherently future-proof. Designed to be sensor- and effector-agnostic, it allows for the seamless integration of the best available technologies from different manufacturers. This modularity ensures that the BATS squadron can continuously adapt to evolving threats without requiring a complete system overhaul. Dan Ulrich, Vice President of Self-Protection Systems at Terma, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting the seamless partnership with Lockheed Martin to deliver a low-risk, high-reliability solution. The result is a cohesive defense network that provides aircrews with a decisive edge, ensuring they can operate with confidence in the world’s most challenging and unpredictable threat environments.
