BAE Systems to continue work on active protection system for US Army
Terra Raven will form part of MCSKS. (Image: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems Multi-Class Soft Kill System (MCSKS) countermeasure system has been designed to provide protection without the need for kinetic effort and will reduce the logistic chain required for protection.
The US Army has awarded BAE Systems a follow-on contract to continue development of the company’s MCSKS countermeasures system which has been designed to protect vehicles against guided missiles and similar threats.
BAE Systems will further develop its laser-based Stormcrow and Terra Raven countermeasure systems as part of an effort to move forward the US Army’s electronic warfare (EW)-based active protection system (APS) efforts.
The laser-based defence allows for conservation of kinetic weapons and provides a less expensive option once fielded.
Terra Raven is part of a layered defence and response approach designed to be integrated into current and next-generation combat vehicles and provide laser-based countermeasures.
Coupled with BAE Systems’ 360 MVP Sensor situational awareness suite, the infrared countermeasures system detects, tracks and engages incoming threats to armoured ground vehicles.
BAE Systems has worked previously with the US Department of Defense on similar efforts such as the Advanced Layered Soft Kill System and the Layered Soft Kill System development programmes which resulted in demonstrations.
APS has become a key feature of a range of new vehicle and upgrade programmes in the light of asymmetric conflicts, such as in Syria last decade or recent operations in Gaza and conventional conflict such as Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
The US Army’s upgraded Bradley’s are being fitted with Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist APS and upgraded Turkish Leopard 2A main battle tanks will soon be delivered with Aselsan’s AKKOR (AKtif KORuma) APS.
More from Land Warfare
-
![DroneShield nets largest order ever with $40 million European CUAS contract]()
DroneShield nets largest order ever with $40 million European CUAS contract
The package of three standalone follow-on contracts makes this the largest contract won by the Australian company and larger than its total 2024 revenue.
-
![Patria completes test firing of new self-propelled gun as demand for systems grows]()
Patria completes test firing of new self-propelled gun as demand for systems grows
Patria quotes a maximum rate of fire of eight rounds a minute from the new ARVE (ARtillery on VEhicle) self-propelled gun with a range of 40km for an assisted round. The rapid, low-risk development is designed to meet emerging requirements which have arisen out of the Ukraine war.
-
![US Army modernisation plans raise big concerns for lawmakers]()
US Army modernisation plans raise big concerns for lawmakers
The termination of programmes such as JLTV and RCV has been harshly criticised by members of the US Congress.
-
![The power of partnership: GDMS–UK deepens cooperation with the British Army]()
The power of partnership: GDMS–UK deepens cooperation with the British Army
In Conversation: Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to General Dynamics Mission Systems–United Kingdom’s Chris Burrows about how the company's UK TacCIS business is reshaping battlefield communications through sustained customer engagement, accelerated innovation and ecosystem collaboration.
-
![Sweden to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems for $930 million]()
Sweden to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems for $930 million
This recent purchase of the medium-range air defence system adds to the country’s ongoing efforts to ramp up its overall defence readiness and capabilities.
