MBDA has carried out a qualification firing test of the Italian Army’s new generation air defence system, called ‘GRIFO’, marking a significant milestone in its development.
GRIFO is a part of the enhanced modular air defence solutions family of systems being developed by MBDA.
It is based on the common anti-air modular missile – extended range (CAMM-ER) missile system.
CAMM-ER missile, which is a key component of the wider CAMM air defence family of missiles, specialises in offering a 360° air defence coverage due to its vertical launch capability.
The new GRIFO system will be operated by the Italian Army to strengthen its air defence capabilities, provided an extended range capacity to its existing short-range air defence capabilities.
Notably, the latest qualification firing trial marks the first time the GRIFO system's command post and engagement module (Posto Comando Modulo di Ingaggio – PCMI) were tested and qualified in an integrated manner with the missile launcher and CAMM-ER missile.
PCMI includes an MBDA-made command and control system which is integrated with an X-TAR3D radar developed by Rheinmetall Italia along with an identification friend or foe system developed by Leonardo.
During the test, the GRIFO system's PCMI successfully detected and engaged a target drone simulating an enemy aircraft attack.
The system identified and classified the threat type, evaluated the defence strategy to be deployed, and then commanded the launch of CAMM-ER missile, which successfully neutralised the target.
The trial helped in assessing and validating the performance of missile as well as the entire system functioning in an integrated mode.
It also confirmed the effective functioning of the two-way datalink between the CAMM-ER missile and GRIFO ground system.
MBDA, as the design authority for the GRIFO system and its key sub-systems, including the PCMI, launcher, and CAMM-ER missile, collaborated closely with its Italian and UK teams and the Italian customer to complete this qualification test.
