Hanwha Systems Begins Testing and Evaluation of Advanced Aircraft Defense System DIRCM

Image of the Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) product developed by Hanwha Systems

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Hanwha Systems announced on the 9th that it has signed a contract with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) for the project "Initial Operational Test and Evaluation Support Service for the Directional InfraRed CounterMeasures (DIRCM) Advanced Defense System for Aircraft."

DIRCM is a device that enhances the survivability of friendly aircraft by countering the threat of enemy man-portable infrared-guided missiles (MANPADS) targeting allied aircraft. It is installed on aircraft and, upon detecting an enemy missile attack, emits a high-power infrared jamming laser (deceptive light source) to disrupt the missile.

Hanwha Systems has participated as a prototype manufacturer in test development led by the Agency for Defense Development since 2014, and in 2018, it succeeded in developing core DIRCM technology and achieving miniaturization and lightweight design, becoming the sixth in the world to do so.

This project involves conducting the initial operational test and evaluation to apply the DIRCM prototype to an actual weapon system. Hanwha Systems expects that passing this initial operational test and the final evaluation will provide performance verification evidence that enables the supply of DIRCM equipment not only to the domestic market but also to overseas markets.

A Hanwha Systems official stated, "Once DIRCM is equipped on various military aircraft and operationalized, it will greatly contribute to ensuring the survivability of aircraft ranging from helicopters to large aircraft," and added, "Based on the performance verification through domestic operational test and evaluation, we expect to secure export competitiveness and expand into the global defense market."