MAADS air defence system qualified with CAMM-ER missile

MBDA has qualified MAADS with the CAMM-ER missile. (MBDA)

MBDA has qualified the Medium Advanced Air Defence System (MAADS) with its Common Anti-Air Modular Missile-Extended Range (CAMM-ER) missile during a recent test firing, confirming the capabilities and peformance of both the missile and the entire system in an integrated mode.

The company announced the successful test on 5 May and said it was the first time that the Detection Centre module - Sirius battle management command, control, communication, computer, and intelligence (BMC4i) with evolved software - was tested and qualified, integrated with the CAMM-ER missile.

The test involved a target drone simulating an attack by an enemy aircraft that was detected by the MAADS detection centre module, which identified, classified, and determined the type of threat and how to deal with it, and then launched a CAMM-ER missile to neutralise it. MBDA said the trial also verified the two-way datalink between CAMM-ER and MAADS.

MBDA is the design authority for MAADS, which comprises the Detection Centre module, including the company's Sirius BMC4i and Leonardo's Kronos radar.

MAADS will be operated by the Italian Air Force, replacing the Spada (Sword) short-range air defence system and giving the service a medium-range capability. Developed by the UK and Italy, CAMM-ER will replace Italian Air Force and Italian Army Aspide (Albatros) missiles and be integrated into the Italian Navy's Albatros NG new generation naval air defence system.