Italy Modifies Specifications of CAMM-ER Surface-to-Air Missiles.

Representing Italy, Joachim Sucker, director of OCCAR, Europe's defense program oversight body, signed the second amendment to the CAMM-ER contract with Giovanni Soccodato, CEO of the Italian branch of MBDA, Europe's leading missile manufacturer. The signing of this second amendment took place on April 17, 2024.
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The CAMM-ER is a surface-to-air missile produced by MBDA. (Picture source: MBDA)

Intending to enhance its missile capabilities, Italy has made amendments to its contract for the Common Anti-air Modular Missile Extended Range (CAMM-ER) systems. Initially established on November 28, 2022, the CAMM-ER contract aimed to equip the Italian Air Force and Army with a Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) capability. This contract involved the acquisition of two distinct configurations: the Modular Advanced Anti-air Systems (MAADS) for the Air Force and "GRIFO" for the Army.

Building upon this foundation, OCCAR introduced the first amendment on September 24, 2023, which expanded the acquisition to include additional missile systems, including telemetric missiles designed for testing purposes. The latest amendment focuses on further refining the CAMM-ER systems within the Italian Army. It involves the development and implementation of new technical specifications aimed at enhancing operational capabilities. Notably, these enhancements include a new fire control unit designed to improve the command and control (C2) capabilities of the GRIFO configuration.

The CAMM-ER, an abbreviation of Common Anti-air Modular Missile Extended Range, belongs to the CAMM family of next-generation air defense missiles. Designed to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of airborne threats, it incorporates advanced technologies that make it a high-performing and versatile system. Its active RF seeker ensures top-notch performance in all weather conditions, with exceptional clutter rejection capabilities, thus eliminating the need for expensive and complex fire control/illumination radars.

For ground forces, the CAMM-ER represents a highly effective and easily deployable medium-range air defense solution, as part of the Enhanced Modular Air Defense Solutions (EMADS) system. It can operate either autonomously or be integrated into a broader battlefield network. By utilizing third-party target information via this network, the system can engage targets that are not directly visible from the local launcher or sensors.

In terms of technical specifications, the CAMM-ER features a weight of 160 kg, a length of 4.2 meters, a diameter of 190 mm, a range of over 45 km against multiple targets, and supersonic speed. These characteristics make it a robust and adaptable air defense system, capable of addressing the challenges of modern operational environments.

However, it should be noted that the technical specifications will be modified following the second amendment by the Italian Army.

Defense News April 2024