Terma has announced the completion of a major defensive upgrade for the C-130J-30 aircraft operated by the Franco-German Binational Air Transport Squadron (BATS). This initiative directly addresses the growing complexity of modern aerial threats, ensuring the joint European squadron can maintain operational integrity in high-risk airspace.
The core of this enhancement is the integration of a Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system, managed by Terma’s proven Defensive Aids Controller (DAC). Since the C-130J’s inaugural flight in 2021, the DAC has served as the mission-critical computer harmonizing the aircraft’s defensive suite. Now, by incorporating the Leonardo Miysis DIRCM, the system dramatically improves its ability to protect against the latest generation of infrared-guided missiles. This creates a multi-layered shield where the DAC instantly prioritizes threats and directs countermeasures—from flares to laser-based jamming—faster than any human operator could.
According to Terma, this upgrade is about more than just hardware; it is about strategic adaptability. The DAC’s open architecture allows air forces to swap in new sensors and effectors as technology evolves, preventing obsolescence. “Our goal is to ensure that aircrews return home safely, no matter how the threat landscape changes,” stated Dan Ulrich, Vice President of Self-Protection Systems. By delivering this scalable solution in close coordination with Lockheed Martin, Terma is reinforcing the operational sovereignty and survivability of one of Europe’s most important binational defense units, allowing them to focus on their mission with the assurance of a robust, modern defense system.
