French Company MBDA Signs Key Upgrade Contract Amendment with OCCAR for Italian CAMM-ER Missiles.

On May 22, 2024, MBDA announced a strengthened commitment to the Italian Armed Forces by signing a contract amendment with OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation). This agreement aims to enhance the technical capabilities of the Italian air defense systems based on the CAMM-ER missile, designated for both the Italian Army and Air Force, including the Grifo and MAADS (Medium Advanced Air Defense System).

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MBDA Signs Key Upgrade Contract Amendment with OCCAR for Italian CAMM-ER Missiles (Picture source: MBDA)

A central feature of this upgrade is the development of a new Fire Control Unit (FCU), engineered by MBDA to significantly boost the command and control capabilities of the Grifo system. This innovation, advantageous for the Italian Army, represents a major evolution developed over the past twelve months under the main production contract to enhance the operational capabilities of the armed forces.

The Grifo defense system utilizes the CAMM-ER, a long-range missile from the new generation of the CAMM family, jointly developed by the United Kingdom and Italy for terrestrial and naval air defense. The CAMM-ER, equipped with a state-of-the-art active seeker and a new engine designed by AVIO, was successfully qualified last year and is set to replace the Aspide missile currently used by the Italian Air Force's SPADA system and the Italian Army's Skyguard system.

Additionally, the CAMM-ER is incorporated into the Albatros NG, a next-generation naval air defense system that has already been marketed abroad to enhance the air defense capabilities of naval fleets.

This initiative will further strengthen MBDA's industrial capabilities in Italy, particularly at the Fusaro site in Bacoli, near Naples, previously highlighted by recent contracts for the CAMM-ER and Aster missiles. This development supports the technological and industrial growth of MBDA in Italy, solidifying its leadership role in the defense sector.

As a reminder, the Grifo system is designed to enhance the Italian Army's short-range air defense (SHORAD) capabilities by extending its range. It utilizes the CAMM-ER missile, part of the broader Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) family known for its 360° air defense coverage through vertical launches.

This specific trial, conducted on April 27 and 28, 2024, was pivotal as it was the first time the Command Post and Engagement Module (PCMI – Posto Comando Modulo di Ingaggio) of the Grifo system was tested in an integrated format with the missile launcher and CAMM-ER missile. The test scenario involved a target drone simulating an enemy aircraft attack, serving to validate the defense capabilities and overall performance of both the missile and the system under operational conditions.

MBDA, as the design authority for the Grifo system, oversees the integration of key subsystems including the PCMI. This module integrates an MBDA command and control system, a Rheinmetall Italia X-TAR3D radar, and a Leonardo identification friend or foe (IFF) system, along with the missile launcher and the CAMM-ER missile itself.

MBDA CAMM-ER Common Anti-air Modular Missile Extended Range (Picture source: MBDA)