For the first time ever, at the Farnborough International Airshow, MBDA is showcasing its new MANPADS VSHORAD (Man Portable Air Defence System/ Very Short Range Air Defence) solution, under development for the Italian Army and ready for commercialisation for export customers.
The new VSHORAD missile is a supersonic, fire-and-forget, all-day interceptor, equipped with a seeker with image processing capability and capable of countering fighters, helicopters and small drones. Its design will allow easy integration on both current vehicles, such as IDV’s VTLM2 with Leonardo turret (a model of which is on display at MBDA’s stand), and future vehicles equipped with automated turrets.
Due to its shoulder transportability, this VSHORAD solution will be suitable for paratroop and amphibious forces, while offering a tactical advantage when used on military vehicles. This VSHORAD system will also be integrated into SkyWarden – MBDA’s flagship system for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) – which is modular, scalable and evolvable.
The MANPADS VSHORAD missile is being developed following an operational requirement expressed last year by the Italian Army for a shoulder-launched, ultra-short-range air defence missile. The system’s characteristics and performance are fully compliant with NATO standards.
Capitalising on MBDA’s know-how in the design and development of air defence systems, the new missile will help strengthen the company’s offer of a European multi-level air defence capability: from ultra-short-range to future anti-ballistic and anti-hypersonic defence.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved