US highlights modernized Air Defense Unit in Defender 24 Exercises in Poland.

Air Defenders from Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment of the US Army joined several allied units for a series of advanced air defense exercises at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Poland, as part of the Saber Strike exercise within the Defender 24 framework in April 2024.
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Defender 24 is a comprehensive set of military exercises designed to strengthen interoperability and tactical expertise among NATO allies. (Picture source: US DoD)

Defender 24 is a comprehensive set of military exercises designed to strengthen interoperability and tactical expertise among NATO allies, with Saber Strike specifically focusing on combined live-fire and radio communication skills. This strategic event highlights NATO's commitment to improving collective defense capabilities in response to evolving global threats.

The exercises showcased a sophisticated combination of air defense technologies, featuring the modernized assets of the 10th U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense Command. These state-of-the-art systems are crucial for ensuring aerial superiority and protection against missile threats, demonstrating the enhanced readiness of the allied forces.

"This will be the first time in U.S. Army history that the M-SHORAD platform will be fully integrated into a maneuver unit during a large-scale exercise. We have meticulously planned this exercise with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and NATO allies since September 2023," said Captain Paul Zavislak, commander of Charlie Battery of the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

The M-SHORAD is an air defense vehicle developed and used by the United States, designed to offer optimal protection in diverse combat environments. This armored vehicle is equipped with a 50kW-class laser weapon, representing the latest advancement in energy-directed weaponry technology. The M-SHORAD's protection is robust, capable of withstanding impacts from 14.5 mm caliber munitions as well as mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), thereby ensuring increased safety for the crew onboard.

The M-SHORAD weighs approximately 27,215 kg and can reach a maximum speed of 92 km/h. Its operational range is 550 km, allowing for extended missions without frequent refueling. The vehicle is relatively compact, measuring 6.95 m in length, 2.72 m in width, and 2.64 m in height.

The M-SHORAD's radar system includes a beam director, an electro-optic/infrared target acquisition and tracking system, and a Ku720 multi-mission radar. These advanced technologies enable effective detection and tracking of aerial targets, thereby enhancing the vehicle's ability to respond quickly and accurately to various aerial threats. The crew, consisting of three members, is essential for operating the vehicle and its complex systems.

The participation of American air defenders not only strengthens military ties between NATO member nations but also enhances the tactical effectiveness of NATO's air defense strategy. This bilateral training initiative is part of a broader NATO effort to strengthen defense collaboration and preparedness across Europe. As geopolitical tensions continue, such exercises are essential for preparing allied forces for a range of potential scenarios.

Defense News April 2024