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Euronaval 2024: RAPIDFire Defense System from KNDS Against Naval Drone and Missile Threats Seen in Red Sea.
At the Euronaval 2024 exhibition, KNDS unveiled its advanced RAPIDFire defense system, developed in collaboration with Thales. Designed to address current and future threats, this versatile and compact system provides an effective solution for both naval and land applications, adaptable to various operational environments. The French armed forces have already integrated RAPIDFire into their supply ships, including the BRF Jacques Chevallier, demonstrating its effectiveness in countering a wide range of threats, from aircraft to surface drones.
RAPIDFire is based on the 40 mm Cased Telescoped Ammunition (40 CTA) system, enabling operational flexibility through both integrated and autonomous modes (Picture source: Army Recognition)
RAPIDFire is based on the 40 mm Cased Telescoped Ammunition (40 CTA) system, enabling operational flexibility through both integrated and autonomous modes. Equipped with a high-precision gun and an advanced optronic fire control system, it is optimized to counter various aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles, as well as surface targets. The system provides an effective range of up to 4,000 meters against aerial threats and 2,500 meters against surface targets, with a firing rate of 200 rounds per minute for sustained, rapid firepower.
One of RAPIDFire’s notable features is its anticipation capability. In coordination with a 3D radar and an adaptable command and control (C2) system, it can accurately detect, identify, and engage simultaneous threats. The system can also operate autonomously without direct connection to a CMS, ensuring consistent performance in any scenario. The turret, equipped with a gyrostabilized sensor, provides day and night capabilities, facilitating visual identification, target tracking, and real-time interception assessment.
RAPIDFire supports a variety of tactical munitions, including Anti-Air Airburst (A3B) rounds for effective anti-drone defense and Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) rounds for neutralizing armored vehicles. These munitions are selectable in real time based on the nature of the threat, enhancing the system’s adaptability. Its rapid reload capability, combined with a reserve of 140 rounds, allows for up to 30 successive interceptions without a reload sequence.
In its land-based version, RAPIDFire is mounted on an all-terrain truck chassis, offering enhanced mobility for the protection of ground units. This configuration allows mobile anti-air defense, capable of following deployed forces and safeguarding sensitive areas against threats such as drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. Its capability to fire on the move, combined with a short reaction time, strengthens its field effectiveness.
RAPIDFire is particularly suited to counter current asymmetric threats, such as those posed by Houthi rebels in Yemen, who deploy drones and missiles to target vessels in the Red Sea. Its ability to effectively engage short-range air and surface targets makes it a valuable tool for naval and ground forces operating in rapidly evolving threat environments. Moreover, its versatility and easy integration onto various platforms enhance its relevance in addressing today’s security challenges.