According to pictures released by the U.S. Department of Defense, US Army soldiers with C - Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery, 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command, conduct their first training with Stryker M-SHORAD (Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense) at Oberdachstetten Range Complex, Germany. The Stryker M-SHORAD is an Air Defense Artillery vehicle designed to neutralize or deter low-altitude aerial threats, including Group 3 UAS, rotary wing, and fixed-wing aircraft.
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U.S. Army Soldiers with C - Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery, 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command, conduct driver Training on the M-SHORAD Stryker, April 23, 2023. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The US Army has recently deployed the cutting-edge Stryker Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system, a variant of the Stryker family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles. Designed to provide enhanced protection against aerial threats such as low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the M-SHORAD aims to bolster the defense capabilities of ground forces in complex modern battlefields.

The M-SHORAD system is based on the Stryker 8x8 armored vehicle, a family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles used by the US Army. The Stryker vehicle platform is known for its versatility, as it can be configured for various roles, including infantry carrier, reconnaissance, mobile gun system, mortar carrier, and command vehicle, among others. This integration allows the M-SHORAD to be quickly deployed and effectively support ground forces in diverse operational scenarios.

Equipped with an array of sensors, weapons, and countermeasures, the Stryker M-SHORAD system is capable of detecting, tracking, and engaging enemy targets effectively. The vehicle's primary air defense weapon is the Stinger surface-to-air missile, which boasts a range of up to 8 kilometers (5 miles). Hellfire missiles offer a limited ground-attack capability, while the rapid-firing 30mm M230 Chain Gun allows the M-SHORAD to engage slower-moving targets such as helicopters and light ground vehicles.

In addition to its impressive weaponry, the M-SHORAD system features advanced electronic warfare capabilities for jamming and deceiving enemy sensors and communications. This added layer of defense further enhances the survivability of ground forces on the battlefield.

The highly mobile Stryker M-SHORAD system can keep pace with fast-moving ground forces and provide continuous air defense coverage. It is designed to operate independently or as part of an integrated air defense network. With the deployment of the M-SHORAD system, ground forces can now rely on a robust and responsive air defense capability, better preparing them for the challenges of modern warfare.