BIRD Aerosystems Enhances African Air Force Capabilities with Advanced Missile Defense System
Date: 28 October 2025
BIRD Aerosystems, renowned for its innovative contributions to defense technology, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful deployment of its Advanced Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) for an African Air Force. This initiative underscores BIRD’s commitment to providing sophisticated military solutions tailored for complex operational environments.
Operational Integration of AMPS
The project encompassed the effective installation, integration, and field testing of AMPS on a fleet of Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters. This comprehensive approach not only meets the critical requirements for enhanced aircraft survivability but also ensures that the fleet achieves full operational readiness against emerging surface-to-air missile threats.
Key Components of AMPS
Central to the AMPS suite is BIRD’s patented SPREOS DIRCM (Self-Protection Radar Electro-Optic System). This cutting-edge countermeasure employs advanced radar and infrared tracking capabilities to detect, verify, and neutralize incoming missile threats with unprecedented precision. Notably, SPREOS distinguishes itself by offering:
- Real-Time Threat Neutralization: Automatic engagement of threats ensures high survivability with virtually no false alerts.
- Counter-MANPADS Capabilities: Tailored specifically to mitigate risks posed by Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), enhancing mission success.
In conjunction with SPREOS, the installation includes the μEYE Missile Warning Sensor (MWS). This compact electro-optical sensor significantly boosts crew situational awareness by providing rapid, wide-area missile detection. The synergy between SPREOS and μEYE underscores the integrated approach that BIRD embraces, allowing for a seamless transition from development to operational deployment.
Comprehensive Delivery and Support Framework
BIRD Aerosystems’ successful execution of this AMPS configuration represents a robust end-to-end capability, encompassing system design, integration, testing, and certification. This holistic approach minimizes aircraft downtime, ensuring a swift return to operational status. Such efficiency is critical for military organizations that face the constant threat of adversarial missile systems.
BIRD’s Co-CEO and Founder, Ronen Factor, remarked on the importance of in-house development: “The delivery of our AMPS configuration, featuring the SPREOS and μEYE sensors, illustrates our strengthened partnership with this vital African Air Force. By controlling the development process, we offer unparalleled flexibility and rapid customization, contributing to enhanced fleet readiness and crew safety.”
Strategic Implications
The deployment of AMPS not only augments the operational capabilities of the African Air Force but also signals a broader trend toward advanced missile defense solutions in military aviation. As missile technology evolves, so too must countermeasures.
Noteworthy Advantages:
- Speed to Market: BIRD’s in-house capabilities significantly reduce the time from development to deployment, giving the African Air Force a strategic edge in a rapidly changing threat landscape.
- Proven Combat Effectiveness: The integration of field-tested systems underscores the reliability and strategic importance of AMPS in contemporary combat scenarios.
- Enhanced Interoperability: The comprehensive and interoperable nature of the AMPS solution allows for easier integration with existing defense protocols and avionics.
By aligning cutting-edge technology with the specific needs of military forces, BIRD Aerosystems continues to play a pivotal role in fostering greater security and operational resilience on the modern battlefield. As nations increasingly recognize the critical need for enhanced defense capabilities, BIRD’s innovative solutions stand ready to meet those demands, ensuring that air forces worldwide remain equipped to counter emerging threats effectively.
