Elbit’s Self-Protection Suite tested on Portuguese Air Force C-390
December 22, 2024
On 17 and 18 December 2024 the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aerea Portuguesa) tested the Elbit Systems Ltd Self-Protection Suite of its Embraer C-390 aircraft for the first time. The C-390 (tail number 26901) from Esquadra 506, ‘Rinocerontes’, at Beja deployed chaff and flares off the South West coast of Portugal in two days of trials, during which a Leonardo Helicopters EH101 also took part. The exercise also involved a Portuguese Navy frigate NRP D. Francisco de Almeida.
Elbit’s self protection systems are rapidly gaining traction on the C-390. On 10 December 2024 Elbit Systems Ltd announced that it had been awarded two contracts with an aggregate value of approximately $175 million for the supply of EW (Electronic Warfare) and DIRCM (Directed Infrared Countermeasure) Self-Protection Suites to a European NATO country for installation “on the country’s Embraer C-390 Millenium aircraft and Airbus H225M helicopters.” Only Hungary operates both of these aircraft types!
The C-390 contract includes an agreement with “another European country”, providing for the delivery of the Advanced EW suite for installation on its Embraer C-390 Millenium aircraft. The other NATO countries operating or expecting to receive the C-390 are Portugal, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Sweden.
The state-of-the-art EW and DIRCM Self-Protection Suite, to be installed on both platforms, provides enhanced defense capabilities by autonomously detecting, analyzing, and countering a wide range of threats. The suite includes Elbit Systems’ advanced Digital Radar Warning Receiver, IR Missile Warning System (MWS), Laser Warning System (LWS), Countermeasure Dispenser System (CMDS), and the MUSIC family DIRCM System. Additionally, as part of the C-390 contract, Elbit Systems will provide its SPEAR Advanced ECM (AECM) Pod, which can be easily installed and transferred between aircraft on the flight line.
“With our EW Self-Protection Suites installed on over 30 aircraft types and deployed across multiple countries, including several NATO members, Elbit Systems is recognized as a global leader in Electronic Warfare and DIRCM technology.” said Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW. “These new contracts further reinforce our global position in the area of airborne Self-Protection Suites.” He added, “Our advanced modular design allows continuous updates, ensuring adaptation to evolving threats and providing a rapid response to enhance the safety of both aircrews and platforms.”
