Germany Equips C-130J Aircraft with Miysis DIRCM for Infrared Threat Protection

In July 2025, Leonardo’s Miysis Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system was selected to equip the German Air Force’s fleet of C-130J aircraft, marking a significant development in airborne defense technology integration. The decision followed a competitive selection process led by Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the C-130J Super Hercules, and reflects Germany’s strategic emphasis on enhancing survivability in high-threat operational environments.

C-130J Super Hercules. Lockheed Martin

The Miysis DIRCM system is designed to counter infrared-guided missile threats, particularly those posed by Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS). These threats are prevalent in the low-altitude, slow-speed flight profiles typical of tactical airlift missions. The Franco-German Binational Air Transport C-130J Squadron (BATS), which operates the aircraft, conducts missions in austere environments where such threats are considered credible and persistent.

Germany’s C-130J fleet comprises three KC-130J tankers and three C-130J-30 transport aircraft. These platforms were acquired to fill the operational gap left by the retirement of the C-160 Transall in 2021. While the A400M Atlas offers broader capabilities, its larger size limits its effectiveness in certain tactical scenarios, such as operations from short or unprepared runways and support for special forces. The C-130J, with its smaller footprint and proven versatility, was deemed more suitable for these roles.

Miysis DIRCM operates by detecting the infrared signature of incoming missile threats through a Missile Warning System (MWS). Once a threat is identified, the system directs high-powered laser energy at the missile’s seeker head, disrupting its guidance and preventing it from locking onto the aircraft. The system features a twin-head laser pointer/tracker configuration, which provides comprehensive spherical coverage and mitigates the risk of blind spots caused by airframe geometry. A three-head variant is also available for larger platforms requiring expanded coverage.

The system’s architecture is based on open standards, facilitating integration with various aircraft types and MWS configurations. Leonardo reports that Miysis has been successfully tested with six different MWS systems, underscoring its adaptability. The baseline configuration includes two laser pointer/trackers, a ruggedized control electronics unit, and a cockpit interface. It can be installed directly into the airframe or housed in an external pod, depending on operational requirements.

From a technical standpoint, Miysis is characterized by its low weight and power consumption. The system weighs less than 40 kg (excluding the MWS) and typically draws under 600W during jamming operations, with a peak power draw below 1300W. These specifications make it suitable for platforms with limited power availability, such as tactical airlifters.

The selection of Miysis for the German C-130J fleet aligns with broader trends in military aviation, where survivability against asymmetric threats is increasingly prioritized. The system has demonstrated effectiveness in live trials, including a NATO exercise at Sweden’s Vidsel Test Range, where it successfully countered multiple infrared-guided missiles launched simultaneously. Its deployment on platforms operated by NATO and Middle Eastern countries further reflects its operational maturity and exportability.

The integration of Miysis on the German C-130Js will be conducted by Lockheed Martin. While details of competing systems were not disclosed, the selection process was reportedly based on the Luftwaffe’s comprehensive requirements. The binational nature of the BATS unit, which includes unrestricted exchange of aircraft and personnel between France and Germany, adds a layer of complexity to system integration and logistics. However, shared support contracts and pooled resources are intended to streamline operations and reduce costs.

The adoption of Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM system by the German Air Force represents a calculated response to evolving threat environments and operational demands. It reflects a convergence of technological capability, strategic necessity, and multinational cooperation within the framework of European defense. The system’s integration into the C-130J fleet is expected to enhance mission survivability and operational flexibility, particularly in scenarios where traditional countermeasures may be insufficient.