MBDA has recently executed a successful qualification firing of the GRIFO system, the Italian Army’s next-generation air defense solution, part of the EMADS (Enhanced Modular Air Defense Solutions) series created by MBDA, utilizing the CAMM-ER (Common Anti-Air Modular Missile – Extended Range) missile.
The Italian Army will deploy the GRIFO System for its aerial defense, enhancing its short-range air defense (SHORAD) capability with an extended range. The CAMM-ER is an integral component of the broader CAMM (Common Anti-Air Missile) family, which features vertically launched missiles to offer comprehensive 360° air defense coverage.
This trial marked a significant milestone: for the first instance, the Command Post and Engagement Module (PCMI – Posto Comando Modulo di Ingaggio) of the GRIFO system was assessed and certified, integrated with the missile launcher and CAMM-ER missile. The evaluation was conducted against a target drone simulating an assault by an adversary aircraft, affirming the defense capabilities and performance of both the missile and the entire system in a cohesive configuration.
MBDA acts as the design authority for the entire system and the essential sub-systems such as the PCMI – which incorporates an MBDA Command & Control system combined with a Rheinmetall Italia X-TAR3D radar and a Leonardo identification friend or foe (IFF) system – the launcher, and the CAMM-ER missile.
Throughout the assessment, the PCMI identified the target drone, which was in attack mode, and proceed to recognize and categorize the type of threat, determined the defensive measures to deploy, and authorized the launch of CAMM-ER to effectively neutralize it. The trial also validated the operational efficiency of the two-way datalink between the CAMM-ER and the GRIFO ground system.
The triumph of this qualification reflects the collaborative efforts of the integrated Italian and UK teams at MBDA, along with the Italian Customer.
The CAMM-ER represents the extended-range missile within the new generation CAMM family, collaboratively developed in both the United Kingdom and Italy for terrestrial and maritime air defense. The CAMM family can be seamlessly integrated with the customer’s selected radar and C2 systems to establish an Enhanced Modular Air Defense Solution (EMADS). It will also substitute the Aspide in the Medium Advanced Air Defense System (MAADS) of the Italian Air Force, which was successfully certified last year. CAMM-ER is also integrated into Albatros NG, the innovative naval-based air defense (NBAD) system that has already been exported, enhancing the naval surface-to-air capabilities of fleets.
The CAMM-ER is outfitted with a cutting-edge active seeker and a novel motor – engineered by AVIO – to extend the range compared to the CAMM missile version.
