Leonardo and Sabena Technics Join Forces to Deliver Cutting-Edge Self-Protection Solutions for VVIP and Military Aircraft Globally
Leonardo revealed today at the Dubai Airshow 2021 the execution of a memorandum of understanding with the French aircraft MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) service provider, Sabena technics. This agreement will enable the two entities to collaboratively explore the market for secure VVIP and military airplanes, focusing particularly on the European, Middle Eastern, and African regions.
As part of the agreement, Sabena technics will provide Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM (Directed Infra-Red Counter Measure) to clients seeking to modify and equip their aircraft with top-tier protection against infrared-guided missiles. Comprehensive evaluations and live-fire tests conducted by UK and global clients have demonstrated that the Miysis DIRCM can neutralize 100% of incoming infrared missiles. Leonardo and Sabena technics have been collaborating extensively to deliver Miysis DIRCM protection to a confidential customer, and this MoU enhances their collaborative relationship to serve international clientele effectively.
Miysis DIRCM operates by projecting a powerful laser onto a missile’s guidance system, ‘dazzling’ it and redirecting the missile away from its intended target. With decades of expertise in laser and precision targeting, Leonardo facilitates this operation at breakneck speeds, enabling Miysis to counter various simultaneous incoming missiles. Additionally, its integrated multi-head installation provides comprehensive spherical defense around the aircraft, even during maneuvers, contrasting with simpler single-head systems available on the market that encounter blind spots when the aircraft is not flying straight and level.
Engineered and produced in Edinburgh, UK, Miysis has already been delivered to the UK Armed Forces as well as several NATO and non-NATO countries. This new alliance between Leonardo and Sabena technics is anticipated to broaden their customer base. Air Forces, governmental, and private aircraft proprietors can benefit from the synergy of Sabena technics’ in-house integration capabilities for complex modification or enhancement projects and Leonardo’s reliable Miysis DIRCM solution.
Philippe Rochet, CEO of Sabena technics: “We take pride in delivering a service that meets our customers’ needs and fosters trust, thus forming a natural partnership with Leonardo, which embodies this customer-centric philosophy. With our robust integration capabilities, we have executed and certified Self Protection solutions modifications for various operators worldwide. Ranging from engineering and installation to airworthiness certification and operational support, clients can rely on our teams to develop customized solutions of the highest quality.”
Tony Innes, VP Sales Radar and Advanced Targeting at Leonardo: “Through collaboration with Sabena technics, we have established a transparent, cooperative working model that experience shows is fundamental to every prosperous partnership. I am thrilled to expand this relationship today with the signing of this MoU. Miysis DIRCM ensures comprehensive protection against IR-guided missiles, and we are eager about this new pathway through which aircraft owners and operators can access this life-saving technology.”
Miysis DIRCM is currently in full production and available immediately. Its UK design, manufacturing, and supply chain guarantees that this cutting-edge system is also easily exportable. Leonardo boasts a proven record in supporting its products throughout their operational lifespan and has committed to collaborating closely with Sabena technics to ensure total customer satisfaction.
