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Sweden contracts with Rheinmetall for BIRDIE 118 helicopter self-protection system Export breakthrou

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has awarded Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH an order for BIRDIE 118 aircraft decoys for Swedish Air Force helicopters. The decoys will be delivered in 2007 and used in future internationa operations.

Date: Issue 7 - January 2008

BIRDIE, an acronym for “Bi-spectral InfraRed Decoy Improved Efficiency”, is a proprietary development of Rheinmetall Waffe Munition. The BIRDIE represents a new departure in protecting helicopters against modern infrared-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. It is also uniquely effective in countering shoulder-
launched MANPADS, which are increasingly used by non-state actors, terrorist organizations, etc. It can be used in any 1x1" NATO standard dispensing system for aircraft self-protection,
and is also available in a 2x1" calibre version, the BIRDIE 218. Numerous NATO and national tests
have proved the BIRDIE’s effectiveness against even the most advanced guided missiles with two-colour analysis. Rheinmetall Waffe Munition
GmbH, a subsidiary of the Düsseldorfbased Rheinmetall Defence Group, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of self-protection systems and decoys for protecting military and civilian assets. The Swedish order represents a breakthrough in the international market.