US Army combat vehicles to get electronic warfare upgrades to protect against guided missiles

News, US November 24, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

The U.S. Army awarded BAE Systems a follow-on contract to develop Multi-Class Soft-Kill System (MCSKS) electronic warfare countermeasures to protect its combat vehicles against guided missiles and adjacent threats. The system would improve the survivability and mission success of Army vehicles.

Under the contract, BAE Systems will upgrade its laser-based Stormcrow and Terra Raven countermeasure systems, further advancing the U.S. Army’s electronic warfare (EW)-driven Active Protection System (APS) initiative. These cutting-edge systems effectively neutralize threats, enabling crews to conserve kinetic countermeasures, the BAE Systems said in a statement.

Director of Integrated Survivability Solutions at BAE Systems, Jared Belinsky said, “Today’s combat vehicles need active protection systems that quickly and efficiently counter modern threats,” adding that “Missile countermeasures are part of our full-spectrum approach to electromagnetic warfare. We’re creating an Intrepid Shield around our customers’ platforms – improving their effectiveness on the battlefield.”

The BAE Systems statement highlighted, “The MCSKS contract builds on the company’s successful execution of the Advanced Layered Soft Kill System (ALSKS) and the Layered Soft Kill System (LSKS) development programs, including several successful capability demonstrations.”

BAE Systems’ active protection systems offer next-generation layered defense solutions for vehicles and maritime platforms, utilizing advanced electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) and radio-frequency (RF) spectrum technologies.

Designed to be compact, modular, lightweight, durable, and cost-effective, these systems incorporate multifunctional sensors, intelligent processing, and electromagnetic emitters. This combination ensures superior situational awareness and rapid threat response, even in adverse weather, low-light conditions, challenging terrain, and complex battlespaces.

*^{Integrated Vehicle Protection System. (Image Credit BAE Systems)}*

The Terra Raven countermeasure system is a vital component of the vehicle protection system suite. It offers a layered defense approach that seamlessly integrates with both current and next-generation combat vehicles.

According to the company’s statement, “By providing effective laser-based countermeasures, it allows kinetic countermeasure systems to conserve ammunition for battle and lessens collateral damage.”

Paired with the company’s 360 MVP Sensor situational awareness suite, this infrared countermeasure system detects, tracks, and neutralizes incoming threats to armored combat vehicles.

The Terra Raven system is designed for adaptability and can be customized to fit any platform, mission, or budget. Building on decades of countermeasure expertise, the system is modular, lightweight, and can be easily integrated with other systems, including kinetic defenses.

In 2018, the Terra Raven countermeasure system advanced to the next phase of testing in the U.S. Army’s Soft Kill Rodeo—a six-week evaluation designed to measure the effectiveness of non-kinetic countermeasures in deflecting anti-tank guided missiles.

Later in 2019, the U.S. Army tested the system by integrating it into its M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, alongside a kinetic countermeasure system, to showcase a layered defense demonstration.

U.S. Army M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle — *^{U.S. Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle at Fort Benning, Ga., May 3, 2022. (Image Credit: Sergeant William Griffen/U.S. Army)}*

“BAE Systems’ integrated VPS suite builds on the company’s extensive experience developing aircraft survivability equipment. With decades of experience designing, delivering, and sustaining electronic warfare systems, the company has a deep understanding of the evolving battlespace and the solutions warfighters need to address emerging threats,” the company said in a statement.

The development and manufacturing of this system is being conducted at the company’s facility in Austin, Texas, with research and development support from the BAE Systems’ FAST Labs in Merrimack, New Hampshire.