The US Army is preparing a major reorganization of the system for protecting its ground units from close air threats, in connection with which it presented in October 2019 a new version of the Stryker armored vehicle, optimized for countering aviation, and also recently signed a contract with Israel for two batteries of Iron Dome complexes for deployment in 2020 as an interim missile defense (ABM) weapon.
This activity, along with the planned urgent modernization of Sentinel radars, the deployment of new AIM-92 Stinger missiles with remote fuse and a new passive long-range surveillance radar, is part of an ambitious effort to combat the growing threat of air and missile attacks that could pose a serious threat to ground forces of the United States.
“We are seeing widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and target designation,” said Chuck Washim, spokesman for the Office of Rocket and Space Programs at the Redstone Arsenal. "We also see some of our opponents stepping up funding for cruise missile technology."
Decline and fall
In 2016, the National Commission on the Prospects of the Army concluded that the troops are in dire need of short-range air defense systems, since after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the army seriously reduced its standard capabilities, retaining only a couple of regular battalions of self-propelled short-range anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) Avenger. Seven Avenger units remain in the National Guard, where they carry out mainly national security tasks.
“After the Cold War, the army assessed the threat to a potential adversary’s air force as small,” a 2016 Congressional commission report noted. - The military activity of recent years in Syria and Ukraine has shown a change in the nature of threats. However, not a single division with short-range air defense systems remained in the regular army. In addition, most of the National Guard's close air defense systems perform important duties to protect the capital region, and therefore other contingents in different parts of the world got very little, including areas with real threats in Northeast and Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. or the Baltic countries”.
The US Army subsequently updated two Avenger divisions - 72 complexes based on an HMMWV armored car chassis with surface-to-air missile launchers installed - and deployed two regular divisions in Germany as part of the European Containment Initiative. The Army has also launched a campaign to rebuild its close air defenses, identifying several priority areas.
In the summer of 2019, the first IM-SHORAD armament complex was manufactured, which included: an AGM-114 Hellfire missile launcher, an SVUL (Stinger Vehicle Universal Launcher) vertical launcher for AIM-92 Stinger missiles, a 30-mm cannon and an optoelectronic station … Then this new weapon system was delivered to a plant in the state of Michigan for installation on the Stryker armored vehicle and preparation of the IM-SHORAD air defense system for the AUSA 2019 exhibition.
In October 2019, at the AUSA exhibition in Washington, the army presented the first vehicle equipped according to the IM-SHORAD (Initial Maneuver-SHORAD) standard - a new version of the self-propelled air defense system based on the Stryker platform mentioned above. The US Army thereby demonstrated a new accelerated process of creating models of military equipment capable of withstanding challenges from potential adversaries, in particular the Russian threat to the American contingent in Europe.
Just about a year and a half ago, the US Army, following an unconventional way of purchasing military equipment, entered into agreements on the IM-SHORAD complex with Raytheon for the supply of the SVUL installation, with Leonardo DRS for the supply of a rotating combat module and with General Dynamics Land Systems for the integration of the system.
“It's amazing how fast we moved. We issued contracts in September 2018 and literally 13 months later we had a fully equipped car, which was shown at the AUSA exhibition in October 2019, '' Washim said. - From the issuance of a contract to a real car at the AUSA booth. High rates, great work, close cooperation of the three partners”.
None of the three companies is the main contractor or subcontractor of the IM-SHORAD complex. "It took the entire team to get the final product."
Prototype progress
The new version of the Stryker platform is designed to work on air threats from any direction, including helicopters and aircraft at a range of up to 8 km and unmanned vehicles at a range of up to 6 km
Military tests of the first nine IM-SHORAD experimental complexes have been going on since October last year, they will last 6-7 months, and based on their results, a decision will be made to start the planned production of 144 vehicles. The army intends to deploy two divisions of 36 IM-SHORAD complexes in each by 2021, and then a second pair of divisions of 36 new mobile air defense systems on the Stryker chassis by 2022.
The IM-SHORAD program was fully operational in September 2017, when a demonstration of the contractor's short-range air defense capabilities was held at the White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico. “It was nothing more than an offer to the industry, 'Hey, we have a problem to solve.' Let's go out to White Sands and show us what you have. Under your responsibility. And we will provide a training ground and help you with a set of goals,”said Washim.
Russia's actions in Ukraine forced the American army to make a decision to strengthen and build up its air defense capabilities to protect heavy armored brigades and Stryker brigades in Europe. The results of these tests in New Mexico helped the Army clarify what it wants in the performance of the IM-SHORAD, as noted in an 11-page memo issued by the General Staff.
“The recent aggression against Ukraine significantly complicates the situation regarding security and stability in Europe and all NATO allies,” warns the Chief of General Staff in this memorandum, which also targets the purchase of 144 vehicles. “The ability of European countries to quickly create effective combat formations is a major challenge for NATO. However, our reports indicate the accelerated modernization of these combat forces due to increased lethality and combat stability."
The Army is currently evaluating rapid deployment units, such as the 2nd Stryker Reconnaissance Regiment, to enhance their capabilities through the accelerated procurement of such new air defense systems.
Seven months after the requirements for them were approved, the army issued contracts for the production of prototypes. Washim noted:
“The record speed with which this work is being carried out is simply amazing. This shows what can be achieved with the will and determination to overcome bureaucratic hurdles. Now we have to go to the state tests and pass them successfully”.
However, he hopes that the IM-SHORAD will perform well during testing.
“I think everything will go well. The new features will meet the requirements. Undoubtedly, we will hand over the complex to the army. If you want us to buy more complexes in order to fill the critical gap and ensure the protection of military forces from the threat of drones, helicopter or aircraft type, then we can provide this opportunity."
Laser circuits
Meanwhile, the Army is refining its requirements for yet another new Mobile SHORAD (M-SHORAD) system, with a view to issuing a document in March 2020. Among other things, the document proposes a specific constructive solution in order to better meet the needs of the army.
“I can say that as part of the proposed M-SHORAD solution, we look forward to the transfer of a Multi-Mission High Energy Laser from the Army's Critical Technologies Directorate around 2023. We see him as a potential non-kinetic actuator that could become part of the ultimate M-SHORAD system. We will also consider the possibility of introducing IM-SHORAD technology, since kinetic submunitions offer greater range and greater capabilities."
In the summer of 2019, the Army took a non-standard approach by awarding contracts to Northrop Grumman and Raytheon to develop competing prototypes of the first combat laser system.
In accordance with this project, prototypes of 50 kW laser systems for a platoon of four Stryker machines are to be delivered in 2023. Directed energy weapons will give the M-SHORAD unit new capabilities to destroy aircraft, helicopters, missiles, artillery and mortar shells.
“Now is the time to bring them to the battlefield,” said Raytheon's project manager for directed energy weapons. - The army recognizes the need for laser weapons, which are necessary for its modernization. This is no longer research and development. This is a strategic combat capability, we are in the process of putting these systems into the hands of the soldiers."
Dome of protection
The US Army, following a congressional order to procure intermediate means of defense against cruise missiles by September 2020, chose the Iron Dome missile defense system as its interim system in 2018.
The Army will purchase two Iron Dome batteries to provide ground forces with temporary means of dealing with cruise missiles, as well as drones, mines, missiles and shells. At the same time, she is studying the full-fledged setting into service of the Israeli complex under the IFPC Inc 2 program (Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2-Intercept) and its integration with the combat command system by 2023.
In October 2019, the Army notified Congress of its decision to actually replace the AIM-9X II guided missile under development since 2014, designed to be launched from the IFPC Inc 2 Multi-Mission Launcher, with the Iron Dome complex, which includes the Tamir interceptor missile. …
“The Iron Dome is a good system,” the Army Chief of Staff said at a Senate hearing. - I went to Israel and saw demonstration launches. This is a very, very good system. This complex has a very good track record, it also performed well during various tests."
“So we make a decision and buy it. We have other programs at the stage of prototyping, as well as the IFPC program and some other things that will go to the army, provide the country with an integrated missile defense system for ground formations, perhaps by the mid-2020s, but by the end of 2021 we will have complexes Iron Dome is on alert. " In August 2019, intergovernmental negotiations for the sale of the Iron Dome were completed."
“I think now that we will be able to meet the deployment of the complexes in these terms, - said Washim. - We see that the schedule is being met, the production of Iron Dome complexes is on schedule. We will receive the first battery of the Iron Dome complex in the fall of 2020, and the second one in a couple of months."
In addition to urgent purchases, the army proposed a draft plan for the allocation of $ 1.6 billion by the end of 2024 to equip the Iron Dome complexes with launchers and missiles under the IFPC Inc 2 program and integrate Sentinel radars and the IBCS (Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System). The IBCS project is led by Northrop Grumman and is developing a common fire control component to control and coordinate networked radars and interceptors.
Joint efforts
In 2011, the US Congress allocated over $ 1.4 billion to Israel for the production of batteries of the Iron Dome complex developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. In August of the same year, Raytheon and Rafael, which are implementing a joint program to develop a missile defense system based on the David's Sling complex, announced an agreement that would allow Raytheon to sell Iron Dome systems in the United States. Three years later, the governments of the two countries signed a joint production agreement, which allows the United States to produce some components of the Iron Dome complex, for example, anti-missiles.
Rafael says the Iron Dome is
"The only two-task complex in the world that provides effective protection against missiles, artillery shells and mortar rounds, as well as aircraft, helicopters, drones and precision-guided munitions."
The Iron Dome complex is designed to combat various threats at ranges of up to 70 km, as well as missiles launched from a distance of up to 10 km. The battery of the Iron Dome complex includes an EL / M-2084 multipurpose radar station from ELTA, a fire control center and three launchers, each of which is equipped with 20 Tamir interceptor missiles.
The complex gained international prominence following the fighting between Israel and Hamas militants in 2012. The Iron Dome intercepted 85% of an estimated 400 rockets launched from the West Bank in November of that year, according to the Pentagon.
In early 2017, the US Army began exploring ways to expedite the deployment of the IFPC interim solution. The Trump administration's 2018 national defense strategy notes the importance of the missile defense capabilities they have in defending against potential Chinese and Russian threats. The Army then considered three options: the Iron Dome, the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) from Kongsberg and Raytheon, and an improved version from the IFPC Inc 2 project.
Only the Iron Dome met its target of deployment in 2020 and cost less than NASAMS. According to the army, if a NASAMS launcher costs $ 12 million and each AIM-120 AMRAAM missile is 800 thousand dollars, then an Iron Dome launcher costs $ 1.37 million, a fire control center of $ 4 million, a radar of 34.7 million and each anti-missile Tamir 150 thousand dollars.
A new version of the interceptor for the IFPC Inc 2 air defense project - the Expanded Mission Area Missile (EMAM) missile - will be selected from three competing projects: the Lockheed Miniature Hit-to-Kill Missile missile, Raytheon's Accelerated Improved Intercept Initiative missile and the SkyHunter missile. According to the army, all anti-missile missiles - candidates for the EMAM project - need qualification, integration and testing before production and their subsequent adoption in service in 2023.
The army report notes that "with an eye on 2023, the army plans to explore the possibility of integrating a launcher and antimissile for the IFPC project, which is the result of joint research and experiments of the army and the marines."
“The army plans to conduct experiments with sensors and the IBCS combat control system, which will determine the complexity of the integration of the launcher and the anti-missile before making the final decision on the IFPC Inc 2 air defense system. The Iron Dome system is the best option for the army, given the deployment schedule, the cost of one defeat, store capacity and capabilities in the fight against modern threats."
Further development
Another component of the army's comprehensive project to strengthen close air defense is the A4 Sentinel radar program. This program to modernize nearly 200 A3 Sentinel radars is valued at $ 3 billion.
In addition, last June, the head of the US Army's Air and Missile Administration approved an urgent request for remote fuses for Stinger missiles. The modernization of the missile, developed by Raytheon, will be included in the program to extend the service life of existing arsenals.
“Traditionally, the Stinger has been armed with a direct hit missile,” Washim said. - It will retain these capabilities, but at the same time it will still have a remote fuse, which we will integrate along with the new target detection system. This will change a lot in the tactics of using such weapons, this is especially good in the fight against small-sized UAVs, since they do not generate as much heat as we would like. However, we will be able to deal with this threat with a remote detonator and a new detection system in the Stinger complex.”
Finally, in March 2019, the army unveiled a previously classified project called ALPS (Army Long-Range Persistent Surveillance). It is a new passive sensory system that the US Army has begun deploying to its contingents in Europe, the Pacific and the Middle East.
The deployment of this development system by the American company Dynetics began after demonstrating the integration of ALPS into the IBCS system in 2018. “Prototypes will be delivered to meet the operational requirements of the various combat commands and to carry out subsequent assessments there,” said the ALPS project manager. "The goals of this activity are to ensure that the components and subsystems are tested in real conditions and to reduce the subsequent risks of integration."
After full integration into the IBCS system, the ALPS mast sensor station will be able to provide all-round long-range observation of aircraft and helicopters, UAVs and cruise missiles.
