The European multinational developer and manufacturer of missile MBDA is showcasing, for the first time ever at Farnborough International Airshow, its new MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defence System) VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defence) solution, under development for the Italian Army and ready to be marketed to export customers. The new VSHORAD missile is a supersonic, fire and forget, all-day interceptor, equipped by a seeker with image processing capabilities. It can target fighters, helicopters, small drones.
Its design will allow a smooth integration either on current (VTLM2 by IDV with Leonardo turret, as displayed on MBDA stand) and on future vehicles, equipped by automated turrets. Being man-portable, this VSHORAD solution will be suitable for paratroops and amphibious forces, while giving tactical advantage when mounted on military vehicles. This VSHORAD system will also be integrated in Sky Warden, MBDA’s modular, scalable, and evolvable flagship system to counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).
The system is in development following an Italian Army operational requirement expressed last year for a very short-range man portable air defence missile. The system characteristics and performances are fully compliant with NATO standards. Capitalizing on MBDA’s know-how in the design and development of air defence systems, the new missile will contribute to reinforce the company’s offer for a European multi-layer air defence capability, ranging from very short to the future Anti-Ballistic-Hypersonic Defence.
MBDA is a unique multi-national European group, a world-leader in the field of complex weapon systems, playing a key role in keeping nations safe. Created in the spirit of international co-operation, MBDA and its 14,000+ employees work together to support the national sovereignty of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, and their allies worldwide. As an accelerator for innovation, MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapons to meet the full range of current and future operational requirements of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%) and Leonardo (25%) jointly own MBDA.
