MBDA Enhances Italian Air Defence with CAMM-ER Upgrades

MBDA enhances Italian air defence capabilities through CAMM-ER upgrades, strengthening command-and-control systems and extending missile range for increased security.

MBDA, a global leader in advanced weapon systems, has amended its contract with OCCAR (the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) to upgrade the Italian Army and Air Force's air defence systems, specifically the Grifo and MAADS (Medium Advanced Air Defence System). This amendment focuses on increasing the capabilities of the systems based on the CAMM-ER missile.

Key Upgrades

The contract includes the development of a new multi-role and multi-purpose Fire Control Unit (FCU) by MBDA. This unit will significantly enhance the command-and-control capabilities of the Grifo system used by the Italian Army. These improvements have been designed over the past year to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Italian Armed Forces. The contract also covers the operational validation and production of the new FCU.

About CAMM-ER

The CAMM-ER (Common Anti-air Modular Missile-Extended Range) is an extended-range missile from the CAMM family, developed in collaboration between the UK and Italy. This missile family is designed for both land and naval air defence, and can be easily integrated with a variety of radar and command and control (C2) systems to form an Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solution (EMADS).

Equipped with a state-of-the-art active seeker and a new motor designed by AVIO, CAMM-ER offers an extended range. It successfully completed qualification last year and is set to replace the Aspide missile in the Italian Air Force's SPADA system and the Italian Army's Skyguard system.

Integration and Export

CAMM-ER is also a key component of the Albatros NG, the new generation naval-based air defence (NBAD) system. This system has been sold internationally and enhances the naval surface-to-air capabilities of fleets.

Industrial Impact

This agreement will further boost MBDA’s industrial capabilities in Italy, particularly at the Fusaro site near Naples. The site has already seen significant growth due to recent contracts for CAMM-ER and Aster missiles. These developments support MBDA’s technological and industrial expansion, ensuring continued advancements in defence technology.

Conclusion

MBDA's contract amendment with OCCAR to enhance Italy's air defence systems underscores the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge technology to its customers. The improvements to the Grifo and MAADS systems, along with the successful integration of CAMM-ER, highlight the ongoing evolution and strengthening of Italy's defence capabilities.