Autor fotografie: Elbit Systems, Public domain|Popisek: C-MUSIC countermeasure system
The repeated fast proliferation of MANPADS (man-portable air defence systems), the deadly shoulder launched missiles, worry the security experts of international airlines and airports. Elbit Systems has developed a countermeasure systems that protects aircraft.
The reasons for the growing concern is explained by experts by the facts that not all airports have the same level of perimeter security. Sources say that the concern is also shared by operators of business jets used to fly high level politicians around the world. Israeli company Elbit Systems has developed a countermeasure systems that protects aircraft from MANPADS. The aircraft of the Israeli airlines are equipped with the MUSIC systems made by Elbit. The "Wings of Zion" 767 that flies the Israeli prime minister to foreign countries is also equipped with a version of this very advanced system.
ElbitDIRCM solutions include the following versions
MUSIC – A DIRCM system for the protection of helicopters and small to medium fixed-wing turboprop aircraft. This system has been selected by the Italian Air Force and is planned to be installed (in a dual turret configuration) on the C-130J, C-27J, AW101 and CSAR helicopters. The System has already been supplied and installed on VIP helicopters.
J-MUSIC – A DIRCM system for the protection of large aircraft (heavy transporters, tankers VIP jets, etc.), this system uses the same DIRCM as is in the C-MUSIC. The system can be easily integrated on any type of aircraft, in a single or dual turret configuration. The J-MUSIC was selected for Embraer's KC-390 program in Brazil.
C-MUSIC – A complete self protection solution (including the J-MUSIC DIRCM and the PAWS IR Missile warning System), installed in an aerodynamic pod and especially designed for the protection of civil and VIP large jets. This system was selected by the Israeli government for the protection of its entire commercial airlines fleet and was designed to meet the requirements of both commercial certification and protection of large aircraft.
Business jets operate at lower altitutes
The sources added that business jets have the flexibility to fly into and out of a wide range of airports, including those located in regions with less stable security situations. This increases the likelihood of encountering areas where MANPADS may be present.
Lower Altitudes: Business jets typically operate at lower altitudes compared to commercial airliners, which can make them more susceptible to attacks from MANPADS, which are designed to target aircraft flying at lower altitudes. Limited Defensive Systems: While some business jets may be equipped with defensive countermeasures such as flares or chaff, they may not have the same level of sophisticated anti-missile systems as military or government aircraft.
The international community has taken numerous steps to reduce illicit proliferation, but the MANPADS threat persists, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which accounted for nearly three-quarters of documented illicit MANPADS activity worldwide from 2011 to 2021. Illicit MANPADS in the MENA region range from 50-year-old Soviet Strela-2s to recently produced Chinesedesigned FN-6 and QW-18 pattern systems.
Overall, the combination of accessibility, high value, flexible flight paths, lower altitudes, and limited defensive systems makes business jets more exposed to the threat of MANPADS compared to other types of aircraft. The illicit acquisition and use of MANPADS poses an acute threat to military and civilian aircraft. Since 1970, armed groups have hit dozens of civilian aircraft with MANPADS, killing more than 1,000 civilians.
By Arie Egozi