Breaking News
US Army Increases Protection of Ground Combat Vehicles with New Advanced Electronic Warfare from BAE Systems.
BAE Systems has secured a follow-on contract from the U.S. Army to develop its Multi-Class Soft Kill System (MCSKS), an advanced electronic warfare technology designed to enhance the survivability of ground combat vehicles against guided missiles and nearby threats. This program aims to significantly strengthen vehicle protection systems, thereby increasing mission success in complex and high-risk environments.
BAE Systems develops its Multi-Class Soft Kill System, an advanced electronic warfare technology designed to enhance the survivability of ground combat vehicles. (Picture source: BAE Systems)
At the heart of the MCSKS program is the improvement of two laser-based countermeasure systems: Stormcrow and TERRA RAVEN, which are key components of the Army’s efforts to deploy a robust Active Protection System (APS). These technologies neutralize threats while optimizing the use of kinetic countermeasures, ensuring a more effective defense for combat vehicles.
Jared Belinsky, Director of Integrated Survivability Solutions at BAE Systems, emphasized the importance of these advancements, stating, “Today’s combat vehicles require active protection systems capable of countering modern threats quickly and effectively. Missile countermeasures are an integral part of our comprehensive approach to electromagnetic warfare, forming an Intrepid Shield around our customers’ platforms and enhancing their performance on the battlefield.”
The technology underpinning these active protection systems stands out for its next-generation capabilities. Leveraging advanced technologies in the electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) and radio-frequency (RF) spectrums, these systems are designed to operate in challenging conditions, including adverse weather, low visibility, and complex terrains. Lightweight, modular, and cost-efficient, they integrate multifunction sensors, intelligent processing, and electromagnetic emitters, enabling real-time situational awareness and rapid threat response.
BAE Systems brings considerable expertise to this project, having provided combat-proven survivability solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies for decades. This new contract builds on the success of previous programs, including the Advanced Layered Soft Kill System (ALSKS) and the Layered Soft Kill System (LSKS), which demonstrated their effectiveness in several major trials.
The production and development of the MCSKS countermeasure systems are being carried out at BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art facility in Austin, Texas, with research and development support from its FAST Labs division located in Merrimack, New Hampshire. These sites are at the forefront of innovation in full-spectrum electromagnetic warfare, solidifying BAE Systems’ position as a leader in this field.
As battlefield threats evolve, the development of advanced systems like the MCSKS underscores the U.S. Army's commitment to protecting its combat vehicles and ensuring operational superiority.