Advances in Missile Defense Technology: BIRD Aerosystems Enhances African Air Force Capabilities
Introduction to the Project
On October 28, 2025, BIRD Aerosystems, a leading entity in defense innovation, announced the successful implementation of its Advanced Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) for a prominent African Air Force. This initiative involved comprehensive delivery, integration, and testing of AMPS on the Air Force’s Mi-17 and Mi-24 aircraft, substantially improving capabilities to counteract sophisticated surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats.
Core Technology: SPREOS DIRCM
At the center of the AMPS framework lies the proprietary Self-Protection Radar Electro-Optic System (SPREOS). This advanced countermeasure employs a combination of radar and infrared tracking technologies, allowing for:
- Detection: Identifying missile threats in real-time.
- Verification: Confirming the nature of the threats accurately.
- Tracking: Monitoring the trajectory of incoming projectiles.
- Engagement: Neutralizing threats with high precision.
SPREOS stands out with its ability to mitigate false alarms, facilitating a reliable defense mechanism against Man-portable Air-defense Systems (MANPADS).
Integration of μEYE Missile Warning Sensor
Additionally, the system incorporates the μEYE Missile Warning Sensor (MWS), a compact and sophisticated electro-optical sensor that enhances situational awareness for the crew through rapid, wide-area missile detection. The synergy between SPREOS and μEYE ensures an advanced level of operational readiness, offering:
- Fast response times against threats.
- Environment adaptability, crucial for diverse operational theaters.
- Interoperability with existing defense infrastructures.
The collaborative integration of these systems allows for expedited deployment, providing forces with a combat-ready solution tailored to meet evolving threat landscapes.
Strategic Impact on Air Force Operations
The completion of this project not only underscores BIRD Aerosystems’ capabilities in delivering comprehensive defense solutions but also signifies a strategic enhancement for the African Air Force. With an end-to-end program that includes design, integration, testing, and certification, BIRD ensures:
- Minimized aircraft downtime, thus maximizing operational availability.
- Rapid return-to-service guarantees that align with military readiness standards.
Leadership Insights
Ronen Factor, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of BIRD Aerosystems, remarked on the successful implementation of this configuration. “The introduction of our internally developed SPREOS and μEYE sensors represents a pivotal achievement in our partnership with this critical African Air Force. By manufacturing these systems in-house, we provide unparalleled flexibility and expedited customization tailored specifically to our customers’ needs.”
BIRD’s commitment to delivering a combat-proven, turnkey solution aligns with broader defense priorities, ensuring enhanced fleet preparedness and optimal crew safety in high-risk environments.
Conclusion
As defense entities face increasing scrutiny regarding airspace threats, BIRD Aerosystems’ latest advancements exemplify the trajectory towards improved military readiness and enhanced survival rates for aerial operations. The deployment of systems like AMPS signifies a proactive approach in safeguarding air assets against sophisticated missile threats, positioning allied forces to maintain dominance in contested environments.
