Nato has tested the Manta aircraft protection solution during the recent EMBOW trials conducted by the Atlantic Alliance.

During the 500 DIRCM protection trials, the solution achieved Technology Readiness Level 8, implying readiness to enter service onboard aircrafts and countermeasure MANPAD threats.

The Manta system, developed by Indra, is an aircraft self-protection system that countermeasures simultaneous infrared surface-to-air missile attacks.

The system detects the incoming missile and deviates it with the help of the DIRCM laser, without requiring a prior identification.

The technology development was also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Defence and Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aeroespacial (INTA).