UAE VVIP Aircraft To Get Four Infrared Countermeasures Systems For $335 Million

The US state Department has approved a US$335 million sale of Four AN/AAQ-24(V) directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) systems to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for installation on its VVIP aircraft meant to transport senior political figures.

Manufactured by Northrop Grumman, the DIRCM systems are intended to equip the aircraft of the UAE’s Head of State, President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for defending the jet from infrared-guided missiles, especially those fired by man-portable air defence missiles (MANPADS).

The AN/AAQ-24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasure system will provide jamming and tracking to counter multiple heat-seeking missile threats.

The Middle East is flooded in weapons, including various types of missiles that could be used by terrorist groups, as well as tensions between Iran and the Arab Gulf countries.