Defense technology company Elbit Systems Ltd. has been awarded a follow-on $46 million contract to supply its J-Music Direct Infrared Countermeasures self-protection systems to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for the organization's Airbus A330 Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) Program. “The MMF users are very pleased that the Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft are going to be equipped with Elbit Systems’ J-Music DIRCM system,” said Jan der Kinderen, chairman of the MMF steering group. “This will greatly add to the safety and operational flexibility of the total fleet. It is also great to see how Airbus and Elbit Systems work closely together to integrate the systems.” Similar to several previous awards from global air forces and other customers, this four-year contract will allow Elbit to equip NATO’s Airbus A330 tankers with the J-Music DIRCM systems along with the company’s Infra-Red-based Passive Airborne Warning Systems (PAWS IR). “NSPA is pleased to award this contract to Elbit Systems and provide important capability for NATO’s A330 tanker fleet, which will allow the aircraft, crew and passengers to operate more safely in hostile environments,” said Peter Dohmen, general manager of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. “This follow-on contract that extends the supply of J-Music DIRCM and PAWS IR missile warning systems to NATO’s MMF program attests to Elbit Systems’ technological and operational competitive advantage in addressing the intensifying threat of shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles,” said Elad Aharonson, general manager of Elbit’s ISTAR division. Elbit Systems is an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security and commercial programs throughout the world.