BIRD Aerosystems has completed the delivery, installation, and commissioning of its Advanced Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS) to an undisclosed African country.
The Israeli defence firm supplied its AMPS to an African air force’s Mi-17 utility/transport and Mi-24 attack helicopters. African countries that are known to operate both choppers include Nigeria, Angola, Chad, and Uganda, though the company did not name these in its announcement.
To protect against surface-to-air missile threats, including man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS), the AMPS incorporates BIRD’s proprietary Self-Protection Radar Electro-Optic System (SPREOS) directional infrared countermeasures system (DIRCM) and μEYE missile warning sensor (MWS).
Advanced Missile Protection
The compact μEYE MWS employs an opto-electronic sensor to detect and alert crews of missile threats quickly.
It triggers the SPREOS DIRCM, which activates a semi-active radar to confirm that the object is a genuine missile, tracking and analysing its position, distance, velocity, and radar cross-section to tailor the most effective countermeasure response.
Once verified, SPREOS uses a dual-band laser to jam the missile’s seeker while simultaneously monitoring its trajectory to assess whether the threat has been neutralised and to confirm the effectiveness of the aircraft’s laser and flare defences.
This feature ensures “zero false alarms against advanced missile threats,” according to BIRD Aerosystems.
“The successful delivery and commissioning of this AMPS configuration, featuring our in-house-developed SPREOS and μEYE sensors, is a significant milestone that deepens our partnership with this key African Air Force,” Co-CEO and Founder, Ronen Factor, said.
Bird has long been doing business with African militaries for quite a while. In 2019, an undisclosed African country awarded a contract to BIRD Aerosystems, a leading developer of Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) and Airborne Surveillance, Information and Observation (ASIO) solutions. As per the contract, BIRD Aerosystems will supply some ASIO Cessna Citations aircraft, all pre-installed with an advanced maritime patrol sensor and integrated with BIRD’s Mission Management system (MSIS). According to Birds Aerosystems, the aircraft will share the operational picture with ASIO mission management stations installed on the customer’s Ships and HQ command, ensuring that all operating teams share a unified, real-time situational awareness picture.
In 2021, the company announced that it had delivered its AMPS-MD with the SPREOS DIRCM to another customer and successfully installed it on their Mi-17 helicopters. In 2022, the company announced that it would present its Airborne Surveillance, Information and Observation (ASIO) solutions at the Africa Air Force Forum in Senegal.
Earlier this year, in January, BIRD Aerosystems announced the receipt of a significant order from an African Ministry of Defence (MOD) to supply its Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS). This cutting-edge solution will be deployed to protect the fleet of Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters from advanced missile threats, including MANPADS. Delivery is expected in 2025.
Furthermore, in mid-2025, the Israeli company secured an additional contract to supply its Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS), featuring the SPREOS (Self-Protection Radar Electro-Optic System) DIRCM, to an African Air Force. The contract includes the delivery of a comprehensive self-protection suite for Mi-17/8 and Mi-35 helicopters, ensuring enhanced survivability against missile threats.
This agreement represents a significant milestone in the African Air Force’s ongoing efforts to modernise its fleet with combat-proven missile defence solutions that enhance pilot survivability and strengthen national airspace security. As part of the contract, BIRD Aerosystems will also provide comprehensive training for pilots and maintenance crews, ensuring operational proficiency and long-term system sustainability.