Story ID: 602
EuroDIRQM Promises Protection Against Manpad Missile Threat
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: Italy's Elettronica is jointly showcasing its electronic warfare expertise with Spanish partner Indra.
Word Count: 188
Italy’s Elettronica Group and Spain’s Indra are showcasing their jointly developed new EuroDIRQM direct infrared countermeasures to protect aircraft from shoulder-launched heat-guided missiles (Manpads). The system uses the latest Quantum Cascade Laser technology that the partners say represents a significant step forward from conventional semiconductor lasers. 

Elettronica (Hall 1, Stand 1366) also is working to protect against lethal threats to civil airspace from unmanned aircraft systems with its Anti-Drone Interception Acquisition and Neutralization (ADRIAN) system. The company is supplying the technology to Italian air and land forces, as well as to the military of an undisclosed Middle Eastern country.

ADRIAN uses data fusion techniques from multi-spectral sensors—including EO/IR, acoustic, and radio-link interceptor—for detection and identification functions. A reactive and adaptive jammer interrupts the remote-control link of the platform without interfering with communications and navigation systems being used in the same airspace.

The diverse electronic warfare group also is highlighting its Edge escort jamming solution for multiple airborne applications. The system, which consists of an autonomous pod configuration, is intended to create a safe corridor for multiple-mission aircraft.