ILA 2024: Elbit Systems Deutschland for the Bundeswehr

Elbit Systems Germany can draw on the extensive portfolio of its Israeli parent company as a German provider with a 120-year Telefunken tradition to provide the German Armed Forces with the latest, battle-tested, and NATO-standard compliant products at short notice.

Some of these products are being presented by the Ulm-based company at this year's ILA in Berlin. These include, in addition to already commissioned systems such as DIRCM (Directed Infra Red CounterMeasures) for effective protection of all types of aircraft from infrared-guided threats, solutions for capability gaps that are intended to be closed at short notice within the German Armed Forces. On the outdoor area, trade fair visitors can, for example, get a close look at the Hermes STARLINER, one of the first military drones developed for use in civilian airspace. Additionally, the STARLINER is capable of operating continuously for up to 36 hours and conducting reconnaissance, among other tasks. Due to these qualities, Elbit Systems Germany hopes to attract interest from the Navy, which could use the STARLINER as a useful addition to the new long-range reconnaissance aircraft of the P-8 Poseidon type.

In response to a current prioritization of drone defense by the armed forces, which has gained importance due to experiences in Ukraine, Elbit Systems Germany presents the ReDrone drone defense system. This mobile as well as stationary solution detects and categorizes a variety of military and civilian drone types at long distances and can automatically initiate countermeasures. Arnold Müller, Office Manager of Elbit Systems Deutschland at the Koblenz location, sees the demand in this area as high as in the equipment of the troops with UAVs and UGVs for various purposes: "Here we can leverage the mutual synergies that result from the expertise of a drone manufacturer on the one hand and a manufacturer of drone defense systems on the other. In the end, we can offer the customer exactly the products that are actually needed - and also in a quantity that is relevant, for example, for deployments within the framework of LV/BV."

Another promising system that the southern German company will showcase at ILA is the SkyStriker Loitering Ammunition type, which could be fired from the EuroPULS rocket artillery system nearing procurement. Additionally, the SkyStriker can be used across different services and complement the weapon mix on aircraft or helicopters. "Especially in the area of airborne systems, we have a range of cross-sectional products on offer that can serve various military purposes or can also be used by law enforcement or civilians," continued Arnold Müller. "Our tactical data links, for example, can enable the use of high-performance networks not only on ships but also in helicopters. And our HMD systems (Helmet mounted display; Ed. Note) are not only suitable for military pilots due to their day/night vision capability and all-weather capability, but also support pilots in police and rescue services to fulfill their tasks even more reliably and safely."

Some of the projects and products that Elbit Systems Germany showcases at ILA are realized in cooperation with other German companies. For example, as a subcontractor, the company contributes significantly to the new Sensor Suite of the light combat helicopter H145 LKH and makes a significant contribution with its DIRCM systems to the self-protection packages that are installed by the prime contractors on various aircraft types of the German Armed Forces and the German Parliamentary Air Force. In the air defense sector, Elbit supplies the command-and-control equipment for Arrow 3, which Germany has already earmarked for procurement. And of course, there are other topics and projects that the company is already discussing.

ELBIT SYSTEMS GERMANY at ILA Berlin, 05.-09.06.2024: Hall 3 / Stand 350

DIRCM
Directed Infra Red CounterMeasures (DIRCM) is a well-proven system for defense against attacks by infrared-guided missiles and offers high survivability. DIRCM combines advanced laser technology with a high-frame-rate thermal imaging camera and a small, highly dynamic mirror turret. The DIRCM systems are characterized by an open architecture and can be seamlessly integrated into any aircraft type with all types of missile warning systems (MWS) and other defense equipment. Many customers have already opted for DIRCM solutions to protect a wide range of military, VIP, and commercial aircraft.

STARLINER
The STARLINER is one of the first military drones developed for use in civilian airspace. Approved for flying over inhabited areas and in any civilian airspace, it allows customers to integrate large unmanned aircraft into missions previously only performed by manned aircraft. The range of applications includes border security and anti-terrorism operations, securing public mass events, conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea, as well as commercial aviation and environmental inspection missions, and precision work in agriculture.