The German armed forces has acquired decoy flares that can protect aircraft from Rheinmetall.
The defense technology company secured a contract valued at about $54 million for over 470,000 units of the Bispectral Infrared Decoy Improved Efficiency product line.
According to the deal, Rheinmetall will deliver two variants of the BIRDIE products to the Bundeswehr: the IR-Birdie 118 BS and IR-Birdie 218 BS. Delivery began in December and will be completed in 2029.
The BIRDIE flares can be launched from helicopters, jets and transport planes, a technology that simulates the heat signature of aircraft exhaust gases, distracting oncoming infrared-homing guided missiles to protect military assets.
The Bundeswehr already uses IR-Birdie 118 BS and IR-Birdie 218 BS. Rheinmetall also supplies its MK30-2/ABM autocannon for Germany’s Puma infantry fighting vehicles.
In November, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the nation needs a war-ready armed forces because “war is back in Europe.”
“Germany needs a Bundeswehr that can fight and that is operational and capable,” according to the minister.