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MBDA Successfully Completes Qualification Firing of GRIFO System Using CAMM-ER Missile.
On May 8, 2024, MBDA, the European defense industry company, announced the successful completion of a qualification firing involving the GRIFO system with the CAMM-ER missile. This test is part of a series aimed at advancing the new air defense technology for the Italian Army, marking a significant development in the Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions (EMADS) family, which includes GRIFO.
This pivotal trial, held on April 27 and 28, 2024, marked the first test of the GRIFO system's Command Post and Engagement Module (PCMI) integrated with the missile launcher and CAMM-ER missile. (Picture source: MBDA)
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 their 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.
During the test, the PCMI successfully detected and classified the imminent threat from the target drone, evaluated the appropriate defensive action, and executed a successful launch of the CAMM-ER missile to neutralize the threat. Additionally, the trial confirmed the effective operation of the two-way data link between the CAMM-ER missile and the GRIFO ground system, ensuring seamless communication during the engagement.
This successful qualification reflects the collaborative efforts of the Italian and British teams of MBDA, working together with the Italian military customer. The CAMM-ER missile, representing the extended-range variant of the new generation CAMM family, was co-developed by the United Kingdom and Italy for both land and naval air defense roles. It is designed for easy integration with various customer-selected radars and command and control systems to form a comprehensive air defense solution.
The CAMM-ER missile is also set to replace the Aspide missile in the Italian Air Force’s Medium Advanced Air Defence System (MAADS), a transition that was successfully qualified last year. Furthermore, CAMM-ER has been integrated into Albatros NG, a new generation naval-based air defense system that has already been sold internationally and is designed to optimize the naval surface-to-air capabilities of fleets.
Equipped with a state-of-the-art active seeker and a newly designed motor by AVIO, the CAMM-ER missile significantly extends the effective range compared to its predecessor, the CAMM missile, enhancing the operational flexibility and capability of the GRIFO system.