Elix-IR is a latest-generation Threat Warning System that captures imagery from sensors operating in medium-wave infrared (IR) that can be installed on fixed wing, rotary wing and unmanned air platforms. The UK sovereign capability provided by the Team Pellonia system, provides the MOD the latest generation best-in-class protection and is a crucial strategic tool for any modern airborne self-protection system. 

On show for the first time on a King Air at RIAT 2025, Elix-IR is a proven IR sensor solution that is already being deployed onto UK and allied military platforms.

An integral part of Team Pellonia

Elix-IR is part of the Team Pellonia Defensive Aids System (DAS), developed as a partnership between Thales UK, Leonardo UK, Chemring Countermeasures and led by UK MOD (Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)). 

Elix-IR utilises complex algorithms to filter out background clutter, so that only missile, gunfire and rocket threats that are hostile to the platform are tracked, classified, and declared. The advanced sensing capabilities Elix-IR offers complement cutting-edge DIRCM laser effector technologies in defeating threats, maximising the survivability of the host aircraft. 

Elix-IR Excels in Live Firing Trial

Thales has demonstrated the world-class ability of Elix-IR to detect and track multiple surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles at a recent NATO trial. Without exception Elix-IR, alongside Leonardo UK’s Miysis Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM), detected and defeated simultaneously fired infrared heat-seeking missiles. 

The trial, which took place at the Vidsel Test Range in Sweden, demonstrated the ability for Elix-IR to rapidly detect and track multiple missile threats simultaneously. Two nations fielded Elix-IR with the Leonardo Miysis DIRCM and both performed with 100% accuracy in detecting, targeting and jamming all threats. 

The trial builds on a history of successful testing for the Elix-IR system, demonstrating the recent advancements made in protection capability. Senior officials from fellow NATO nations, including the Swedish Chief of Air Force, industry officials and UK MOD personnel attended the trial, keen to witness the leading edge of defensive aids performance. 

With the global proliferation of Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems (MANPADS), the trial underscores the growing importance of extremely rapid and precise detection and tracking of multiple threats, at their maximum effective ranges. 

Elix-IR: Maximising Platform Survivability

Defensive aids systems rely on accurate targeting data to ensure that the appropriate countermeasure (laser, chaff and/or flare) can be deployed effectively. In the case of DIRCM laser systems, the speed and accuracy at which the threat warner works is key to ensuring that the laser can be rapidly and precisely aimed. The speed at which Elix-IR can hand over threat information is essential to defeating a missile early in its flight. Outpacing threats is the difference between mission success or failure, and life and death for the aircrew. 

The use of IR in threat warning represents a step change in technology and performance from predecessor ultraviolet systems. The single-colour IR sensors are capable of detecting threats at their maximum effective ranges with a minimal false alarm rate. By operating in the IR spectrum, Elix-IR is also able to detect hostile fire threats (gunfire and rockets), significantly expanding the protections afforded by the system.  It uses powerful processing and advanced algorithms to track threats, even in challenging cluttered scenes and adverse weather conditions.  

Once again, as previously witnessed during SALT 3 in 2018, Elix-IR has proved its world leading capabilities as the latest generation multi-function infrared threat warning system during what was a comprehensive and complicated multi-faceted trial

said Stephen McCann, Managing Director, Thales Optronics UK. “I am extremely proud of our entire team that supported both the UK, under Team Pellonia, and other NATO member teams in the preparation and execution of this event. UK MOD has adopted Elix-IR as its core reference capability threat warner of choice, based on its maturity and proven capability.” 

The Future of Defence

The threat landscape is constantly evolving and the need for ever-improving detection and countermeasure technology is critical to national security. Elix-IR has been developed with this in mind and so it can and will be regularly upgraded to keep ahead of the ever-advancing threats including emerging missile technologies, hostile fire and other airborne hazards. Being ITAR-free, the system is widely exportable across the globe and uses a Modular Open System Approach to enable operation with other defensive aids systems with minimal integration costs.

The potential that can be harnessed from full spherical IR coverage of a platform as afforded by Elix-IR extends beyond threat warning, through to aiding aircrew situational awareness and supporting complex operations.  This includes providing assistance with degraded visual environments, collision avoidance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and drone detection. In today’s world of multi-domain operations, Elix-IR provides unparalleled intelligence and situational data for use strategically across departments and ministries.  

The system is designed with military aircraft in mind, but already the technology is being extended for integration onto civil and ground based platforms, including autonomous vehicles, driving the product forwards in multiple new directions. 

For more information about the Elix-IR system and how it enhances platform survivability, visit Elix-IR® | Thales Group.

Elix-IR, along with the rest of Team Pellonia, will be presented at RIAT 2025 at RAF Fairford on a Beechcraft King Air from 18 to 20 July 2025. Come see us to get more detail on the capabilities of our system and to ask any questions you may have.