MBDA successfully tests Italian Army GRIFO air defence system
The Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions (EMADS) family, based on the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile – Extended Range (CAMM-ER) missile. (Photo: MBDA)
The Italian Army’s new generation air defence system, GRIFO, recently performed a successful qualification firing carried out by MBDA.
The MBDA-developed system is part of the Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions (EMADS) family, based on the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile – Extended Range (CAMM-ER) missile. CAMM-ER itself is part of the wider air defence family of Common Anti-Air Missile (CAMM) missiles, which are vertically launched to provide 360° air defence coverage.
GRIFO will be operated as part of the Italian Army’s air defence, giving its short-range air defence capability an extended range.
MBDA claimed that the trial was a major milestone, adding that “for the first time, the Command Post and Engagement Module (PCMI - Posto Comando Modulo di Ingaggio) of the GRIFO system was tested and qualified, integrated with missile launcher and CAMM-ER missile.”
“The test was carried out against a target drone simulating an attack by an enemy aircraft, confirming the defence capabilities and performance of both the missile and the entire system in an integrated mode,” the company noted in a statement.
During the test, MBDA said, the PCMI identified an attacking UAV, determined its threat level, selected the appropriate defence response, and ordered the launch of a CAMM-ER missile to neutralise it. The trial also confirmed the proper operation of the bidirectional datalink connecting CAMM-ER and the GRIFO ground system.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands
FNSS and PT Pindad are progressing the Indonesian tracked armoured personnel carrier programme as local production gets under way.
-
Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.
-
How to breach a minefield: from traditional systems to modern techniques in action
The news from Ukraine has again shown that antitank minefields and other obstacles on the battlefield, such as deep trenches, can play a key role in both offensive and defensive operations. Given this, there will always be a need to clear them, both during and after a conflict.
-
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
-
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.