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US Army Awards a 155mm Air Defense Cannon with Hypervelocity Ammunition to BAE Systems by 2028.
On December 20, 2024, the U.S. Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) announced its plan to award an exclusive contract to BAE Systems to develop a 155mm self-propelled cannon prototype. This system, the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon (MDAC), aims to address growing modern aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. The project utilizes hypervelocity ammunition originally developed for the U.S. Navy’s canceled electromagnetic railgun program, with an operational demonstration scheduled for 2028.
The MDAC is designed to protect fixed and semi-fixed positions against a wide range of threats, including drones, cruise missiles, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters (Picture source: USAF)
This effort will be executed under an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), a contract mechanism designed to accelerate technology development by bypassing traditional administrative hurdles. This approach allows rapid focus on research and prototyping to meet the urgent needs of the U.S. armed forces.
Since 2022, the RCCTO has been collaborating with the U.S. Air Force and other strategic organizations, such as the Pentagon’s Strategic Capabilities Office and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Together, they are advancing this ambitious project by leveraging related programs, including the Hypervelocity Ground Weapon System (HGWS). The current goal is to finalize a complete prototype MDAC battery by the end of fiscal year 2027. This battery will include eight MDAC cannons, four Multi-Function Precision Radars (MFPR), two Multi-Domain Battle Managers (MDBM), and at least 144 Hypervelocity Projectiles (HVP). These components will be integrated into a larger defense network, including the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), which is currently being deployed.
The MDAC is designed to protect fixed and semi-fixed positions against a wide range of threats, including drones, cruise missiles, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters. It will complement existing air defense systems within a layered strategy. Key technical requirements include a wheeled design, remote firing capabilities, high rates of fire, significant ammunition capacity, and fast resupply, whether manual or automated. The system must also be transportable by C-130 aircraft, enhancing its potential for expeditionary missions.
While BAE Systems' specific design for the MDAC remains confidential, certain possibilities can be inferred. The system could draw inspiration from the Archer, a 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Bofors, a BAE Systems subsidiary. The Archer features a 21-round autoloader capable of firing the first round within 23 seconds and repositioning quickly after firing. However, a new platform tailored to the MDAC's transportability and other requirements might also be developed. A chassis based on the widely used FMTV tactical trucks is another feasible option.
Hypervelocity projectiles (HVP) are a central element of this project, offering an innovative and cost-effective response to modern threats. Initially developed for the Navy’s railgun program, these projectiles can reach speeds exceeding 9,000 km/h, destroying targets through kinetic impact. Explosive variants are also planned, with an estimated range of 31 kilometers for 155mm cannons. With a unit cost below $100,000, HVPs are particularly competitive compared to traditional missiles, such as the Stinger ($400,000) or the PAC-3 MSE, which costs several million dollars.
The MDAC project is especially relevant in the context of evolving aerial threats. Armed drones, cruise missiles, and autonomous systems have become strategic tools for state and non-state actors alike. Recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, have highlighted the need for innovative and cost-efficient defense solutions to counter these varied and often asymmetric threats.
However, the MDAC will not serve as a standalone solution. It will need to be integrated into a broader defense architecture to address complex scenarios effectively. Additionally, its development occurs amid ongoing debates between the U.S. Army and the Air Force regarding the division of responsibilities for air base defense. The Air Force has recently expressed interest in reclaiming certain roles traditionally handled by the Army, citing the need for adaptation to evolving tactical realities.
With this project, the U.S. Army aims to demonstrate by the end of the decade the capabilities of an innovative air defense system tailored to modern battlefield demands while reducing operational costs. The MDAC could become a critical asset in layered defense strategies, offering a flexible and efficient response to contemporary aerial threats.