MBDA has recently accomplished a successful qualification test of the GRIFO system, the Italian Army’s state-of-the-art air defense solution, part of the EMADS (Enhanced Modular Air Defense Solutions) series developed by MBDA, employing the CAMM-ER (Common Anti-Air Modular Missile – Extended Range) missile.
The Italian Army intends to utilize the GRIFO System for its aerial protection, augmenting its short-range air defense (SHORAD) capabilities with enhanced reach. The CAMM-ER serves as a vital part of the broader CAMM (Common Anti-Air Missile) family, characterized by vertically launched missiles designed to provide extensive 360° air defense coverage.
This trial represented a notable achievement: for the first time, the Command Post and Engagement Module (PCMI – Posto Comando Modulo di Ingaggio) of the GRIFO system was evaluated and certified, integrated with the missile launcher and CAMM-ER missile. The assessment was carried out against a target drone simulating an attack by opposing aircraft, confirming the defensive functions and proficiency of both the missile and the entire system in a coordinated setup.
MBDA serves as the principal design authority for the entire system and the critical subsystems such as the PCMI – which integrates an MBDA Command & Control system along with a Rheinmetall Italia X-TAR3D radar and a Leonardo identification friend or foe (IFF) system – the launcher, and the CAMM-ER missile.
During the evaluation, the PCMI tracked the target drone, which was in assault mode, proceeded to identify and classify the type of threat, determined the defensive actions to implement, and authorized the launch of CAMM-ER to effectively neutralize it. The trial also confirmed the operational effectiveness of the bi-directional datalink between the CAMM-ER and the GRIFO ground system.
The success of this qualification showcases the collaborative endeavors of the integrated Italian and UK teams at MBDA, alongside the Italian client.
The CAMM-ER signifies the long-range missile within the next-generation CAMM family, jointly developed in both the United Kingdom and Italy for land and maritime air defense. The CAMM family can be effortlessly integrated with the client’s chosen radar and C2 systems to create an Enhanced Modular Air Defense Solution (EMADS). It will also replace 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 incorporated 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 equipped with a state-of-the-art active seeker and an advanced motor – engineered by AVIO – to extend the range relative to the CAMM missile version.
