Air Defence Missile Systems

ADATS
The ADATS low level air defence system features lethality at 10km
ADATS is a low-level air defence system, providing a high lethality 10km air defence missile with self defence anti-armour capability. 		The ADATS missile in flight, just after being fired
The ADATS missile being fired. 		Control panel and monitor of the ADATS surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
The ADATS control consoles.
Royal Thai Air Force conducting an operational live missile firing of ADATS system
Royal Thai Air Force conducting an operational live missile firing of ADATS. 		The ADATS systems firepower which features eight last beamriding missiles
ADATS can fire eight laser beamriding missiles and has a 10km range against air or ground targets. 		Solidier undertaking maintenance to the ADATS systems
ADATS forward maintenance combines built-in-test capabilities and allows for quick and easy maintenance.
Diagram illustrating that ADATS immediately engages with visible targets
ADATS immediately engages when the target helicopter unmasks. 		Two solidiers reloading the ADATS Low-Level Air Defence System
Two-man reload without support equipment maximises ADATS autonomy.
Arrow 2
Arrow 2 missile defence system being carried on a flat bed truck
The Arrow 2 Anti Tactical Ballistic Missile (ATBM) system is operational with the Israeli Defence Forces. 		Ballistic defence missile launchign from the Arrow 2 system
The missile has a dual mode seeker with a passive infrared seeker for the tracking of tactical ballistic missiles and an active radar seeker used to home on air breathing targets at low altitudes. 		Wheel mounted Elta Green Pine early warning system for the Arrow 2 missile system
The Elta Green Pine early warning and fire control radar for the Arrow system. The radar can detect targets at ranges up to about 500km and is able to track targets at speeds over 3,000m/s.
Illustration of the various stages involved with missile interception undertaken by Arrow 2 system
Diagram showing stages of missile interception by the Arrow ATBM System. The picture shows a hostile missile trajectory and that of the Black Sparrow air-launched target missile used in firing tests. 		The contents of the Arrow 2 weapon system kit including launch trailers and tubes
An Arrow Weapon System battery has four or eight launch trailers, each with six launch tubes and missiles, a Launch Control Centre, a communications centre, a fire control centre and the units of a mobile Green Pine radar system. 		Cross hair view of the Arrow 2 approaching its target at maximum speed
The Arrow 2 missile approaches the target at a maximum speed of Mach 9, or 2.5km/s, to a maximum altitude of 50,000m.
Aster 30 SAMP/T – Surface-to-Air Missile Platform / Terrain
Aster 30 SAMP/T land to air missile launching from launching pad
The Aster 30 SAMP/T is a land-based air defence system effective against high-speed threats such as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, combat aircraft and UCAVs. 		Aster 30 SAMP/T missile in flight
The Aster 30 SAMP/T is on order for the French Army and Air Force and for the Italian Army. 		Diagram of the Aster 30 SAMP/T battery contents including missile launchers
A SAMP/T battery includes: command and control vehicle, Arabel radar and up to six Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) vehicles, each with eight missiles and a store of reload missiles.
Aster rocket travelling at 1.4km/sec maximum speed
The maximum speed of Aster 30 is 1.4km/sec. It can intercept targets at altitudes from 50m to 20km. The maximum range of the Aster 30 is 100km. 		Aster missile shortly after launch showing significant vapour trail
A successful qualification trial in July 2005. The trial included target acquisition and tracking by the Arabel radar and interception of a C-22 target at an altitude of 7,000m and range of 26km. 		Animated computer conception of the Aster rockets
As the missile approaches the target in the terminal phase, it uses an active pulse Doppler radar seeker, which incorporates a high-power travelling wave tube transmitter and wide antenna deflection, to home in on the target.
Illustration of the Aster multiple targettting capabilities
The Aster 30 SAMP/T system is highly automated – it can fire eight missiles in ten seconds from each launcher, engage up to ten targets simultaneously and can be operated by two people.
Avenger
Two Avenger vehicle armed with Stinger missile launchers
Avenger carries eight Stinger missiles in two launch pods. 		Avenger air defence system firing a Stinger missile rocket
Around 800 Avenger air defence systems are in service with the US Army. 		An Avenger Air Defence System in a forest taking aim with its Stinger Missiles
The Avenger air defence system.
Two Soldiers Operating the Avenger's Targeting Systems
Avenger meets both day and night requirements for low-level air defence. 		Rear view of an Avenger system firing a Stinger missile
The Avenger air defence system firing a Stinger missile. 		Landscape of a Stinger being launched for the Avenger air defence system with smoke trail
The Stinger missile has a 3kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, with a maximum speed of Mach 2.2.
A soldier repairing and maintaining the Avenger air defence system
Avenger allows for easy maintainability. 		The internal controls of the Avenger air defence system
The gunners station with a) head-up optical sight, b) hand stations, c) automatic video tracker, d) FLIR monitor and e) control electronics.
Bamse
Rocket firing from the all weather air defence missile system
The Bamse all-weather, all-target air defence missile system. 		Mission control centre for the Bamse missile system
The Bamse missile control centre. 		Surveillance control centre for the Bamse missile system
The surveillance control centre is equipped with the Ericsson Microwave Systems Giraffe AMB (Agile Multi-Beam) 3D surveillance radar.
Bamse missile heading for its target
Bamse is in production for the Swedish Army. 		Diagram of the type of missile the Bamse system fires
The missile has a range of over 15km. 		Three men loading the Bamse missile system
Loading the missile.
Night time firing of a missile from the Bamse system
The missile uses radar Command to Line-Of-Sight (CLOS) guidance. 		Bamse missile launcher installed on the roof of a MCC
The launcher with six ready-to-fire missiles is installed on the roof of the MCC.
Bradley Linebacker

Bradley-Linebacker is designed to provide short range air defence (SHORAD), capable of engaging all threat targets within the range of the Stinger missile, day or night.
A Bradley M6 Linebacker ADA variant.
A Stinger missile being fired from the Bradley Linebacker.

The Bradley Linebacker missile system performs using US Army Avenger air defence system hardware and software from inside the vehicle.
Schematic showing the operational roles of the Bradley Linebacker.
Crotale NG
Crotale New Generation multimission short range air defence missile system
The Crotale New Generation multimission short range air defence missile system. 		NG's VT-1 Hypervelocity missile firing from a Crotale defence system
Crotale NG's VT-1 Hypervelocity missile has successfully passed extensive firing tests. 		Towed version of the Crotale NG air defence missile system
The towed version of the Crotale NG air defence missile system.
Interior operator combat console of the Crotale NG missile system
The Crotale NG air defence missile system single operator combat console. 		Self propelled version of the Crotale NG defence system
The Crotale NG self propelled version operational in the Finnish Army. 		The Crotale NG firing a VT-1 Hypervelocity missile.
The Crotale NG firing a VT-1 Hypervelocity missile.
JERNAS / Rapier FSC
Jernas system firing a rocket
JERNAS is the export name for the Rapier FSC (Field Standard C) air defence system. JERNAS is based on the Rapier mk2 missile and launcher. 		Jernas Rapier system being transported by a Chinook helicopter
The Rapier FSC / Jernas launcher has eight ready-to-fire missiles and its own electro-optical surveillance and tracking system. 		Radar tracking system used with the Jernas system
The high-resolution radar tracker provides the system with dual engagement capability.
Landscape of the Jernas firing a rocket at a target
Jernas is designed to engage the most demanding threats including multiple stealthy targets aswell as cruise and tactical missiles. 		Upgraded Rapier systems firing MK2 missiles
Oman, Singapore, Switzerland and Turkey have had their Rapier systems upgraded for the mk2 missile.
LAV-AD
The LAV-AD Light Armoured Vehicle in a desert setting
The Light Armored Vehicle - Air Defence (LAV-AD). 		A LAV-AD Light Armoured Vehicle armed with Stinger missile launchers
LAV-AD is armed with two, four-cell pods for the Stinger missile and a 25mm Gatling Gun. 		A Stinger missile being fired from the LAV-AD Light Armoured Vehicle
LAV-AD firing the Stinger missile.
The LAV-AD Light Armoured Vehicle semi submerged in water
LAV-AD is adaptable for amphibious capability. 		A LAV-AD Light Armoured Vehicle with a GAU-12/U 25mm Gatling gun attached
The Blazer turret for the LAV-AD includes the GAU-12/U 25mm Gatling gun. 		Blazer aif defence system on a LAV-AD Light Armoured Vehicle
The Blazer Air Defense System is armed with Mistral missile.
Rear view of a LAV-AD Light Armoured Vehicle firing a Stinger rocket
The Blazer firepower is tested and proven.
LeFlaSys (ASRAD)
The LeFlaSys Ozelot weapon system
The LeFlaSys Ozelot weapon system, based on the Wiesel 2 carrier vehicle . 		Daigram of how the LeFlaSys weapons systems work
The LeFlaSys weapon platform Ozelot system basic functional diagram. 		The control and display unit of the LeFlaSys weapon platform
The LeFlaSys weapon platform Ozelot control and display unit.
Ericsson HARD 3D search and acquisition radar
The Ericsson HARD 3D search and acquisition radar. 		LeFlaSys platoon command post with HARD 3D radar
The LeFlaSys platoon command post with HARD 3D radar. 		Command post functionality diagram
The LeFlaSys platoon command post system basic functional diagram.
LeFlaSys platoon command post control and display units
The LeFlaSys platoon command post control and display units. 		Radar range of the LeFlaSys system
HARD-Radar characteristic diagram. 		ASRAD-R with Bolide missile and the HARD 3D search radar
The ASRAD-R with Bolide missile and the HARD 3D search radar.
MEADS Medium Extended Air Defence System,,
The MEADS in launching position
In Italy in June 2003, MEADS International demonstrated a launcher designed to rapidly initialise, self-load and vertically launch up to 12 PAC-3 MSE missiles. 		A400M aircraft capable of carrying the MEADS launcher
The MEADS launcher is designed to roll-on / roll-off C-130 and A400M transport aircraft. 		Diagram of MEADS in a battlefield setting
MEADS open architecture will establish the pattern for subsequent 21st century air defense systems and enable air defense asset allocation to be mission-tailored for homeland or manoeuvre force defence.
Snow scene example of how MEADS could contribute towards Nato's European missile defences
MEADS provides capabilities envisioned for Nato's European missile defences. 		Multile target engagement from the MEADS system,
MEADS protects manoeuvre forces and critical installations against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. 		MEADS Operations Centre Using Open Architecture
The MEADS tactical operations centre (TOC). The MEADS BMC4I uses an open systems architecture that supports netted-distributed operations.
Radar systems used by the MEADS systems for 360 degree coverage
Advanced radars provide 360° coverage for surveillance and fire control. 		MEADS missile in flight on route to engaging target
With its agile high-g airframe and hit-to-kill guidance accuracy, PAC-3 places high kinetic energy on target. 		MEADS demonstration in Italy of multiple targeting capabilities
During the final system demonstration in Italy, MEADS successfully identified ballistic missile and hostile aircraft from a multiple-target set and engaged and destroyed the threats.
Mistral
Mistral air defence system missile being fired
The Mistral portable air defence missile system. 		Soldiers trageting the Mistral Air Defence system
The Mistral portable missile system can be set up and ready to fire in 60 seconds. 		Missile from the Mistral Air Defence system in flight
The Mistral missile has a range of 6km and is armed with a 3kg high-explosive warhead.
Mistral Coordination Post (MCP) systems of the Mistral Air Defence System
The Mistral Coordination Post (MCP) system. 		Mistral air defence system missiles in factory setting
The Mistral missile is in service with the armed forces of 25 countries. 		Tiger helicopter firing a Air-to-Air Mistral (ATAM) missile
A Tiger helicopter firing Air-to-Air Mistral (ATAM).
Sadral shipborne system which uses six Mistral missiles
The Sadral shipborne system with launcher for six Mistral missiles. 		Mistral missile being launched from a shipbourne missile launcher
The two-cell Simbad launcher for ship-launched Mistral.
Pantsyr S1
The Pantsyr-S1 air defence missile system.
The Pantsyr-S1 air defence system. 		The 57E6 surface-to-air missile used by Pantsyr S1 system
The 57E6 surface-to-air missile. 		57E6 surface-to-air missile launching a missile
Launch of the 57E6 surface-to-air missile.
The Pantsyr S1 firing of the two 30mm 2A72 guns
Firing of the two 30mm 2A72 guns. 		Targeting and fire control system of the Pantsyr S1 system
Targeting and fire control. 		Pantsyr-S1 carrying 57E6 surface to air missiles
Pantsyr-S1 carries 12 57E6 surface-to-air missiles on launchers.
Patriot Missile
The Patriot Missile Air Defence System firing a rocket
$1.2bn of Patriot batteries have been recently ordered by Egypt. 		The hydraulic Patrior launched being readied for launching rockets
The Patriot launcher. 		The Patriot truck-mounted launcher.
The Patriot truck-mounted launcher.
A Patriot missile being fired.
A Patriot missile being fired. 		Trailer-mounted Raytheon MPQ-53 C-Band tracking radar for Patriot missile system
The trailer-mounted Raytheon MPQ-53 C-Band tracking radar, is capable of identifying 100 targets. 		Interior of the Patriot engagement control station
Inside the engagement control station.
Patriot missile systems deployed in Kuwait
Patriot missile systems deployed in Kuwait. 		PAC-3 will have a Ka-band millimetre wave seeker Patriot system being fired
The PAC-3 will have a Ka-band millimetre wave seeker being developed by Boeing.
RBS 70
Soldiers preparing to fire the RBS 70 short-range anti-aircraft missile
The RBS 70 short-range anti-aircraft missile. 		Set up of the RBS 70 laser beamriding missile system
The RBS 70 is a laser beamriding missile, highly resistant to jamming. 		RBS 70 firing a missile from a military vehicle
RBS 70 can be integrated on a variety of wheeled and tracked vehicles.
Soldiers setting up the RBS 70 missile system in a field setting
RBS 70 has been exported to 13 countries worldwide. 		RBS 70 launching a missile from atop an armoured vehicle
The RBS 70 VLM (Vehicle-Launched Missile). 		Soldiers targeting a aircraft with the RBS 70 system
The missile has a range of 7km and a maximum target altitude of 4,000m.
Three soldiers transporting the RBS 70 system on foot
RBS 70 is operable by one, and portable by three persons. 		Cross section of the Bolide missile used by the RBS 70 system
The Bolide missile has a shorter time of flight and higher manoeuvrability than the RBS 70. 		Giraffe mobile radar system developed by Ericsson
The truck-mounted Giraffe 75 mobile radar, developed by Ericsson, can be linked to nine RBS 70 firing posts.
Roland
Roland weapons system mounted on a MAN vehicle
The Roland weapons system mounted on a MAN vehicle. 		Roland prototype featuring the CAROL air-transportable, shelter-based configuration
The second prototype of the upgraded Roland is the CAROL air-transportable, shelter-based configuration. 		Roland system firing a missile
The system is capable of firing the Roland 2 and Roland 3 missiles and the new Roland VT1 hypervelocity missile.
Roland CAROL missile system being transported
The Roland Carol has been in production since 1995. 		oland M3S has a dual surveillance system
The Roland M3S has a dual surveillance system and a triple target tracking system. 		Command and control system of the Roland CAROL system
The upgraded French Army Roland has a new BBKS command and control system with simplified man/machine interface.
Missle during firing from the Roland CAROL system
Typical interception time from firing to airborne target destruction at a distance of 8km is 10.3s. 		Roland CAROL being air transported by a C-130 Hercules
The system is air-transportable on C-130 Hercules or C-160 Transall aircraft.
Spada 2000
Image of the Spada system firing a rocket
Spada 2000 is an upgraded version of the Spada air defence system with increased firepower and range. 		Spade missile in factory setting
The Aspide 2000 missile uses semi-active radar homing and has a range of 25km. 		Spada 2000 system launching a missile from ground station
The Spada 2000 system can engage up to four targets simultaneously with Aspide 2000 missiles.
Spada 2000 missile firing over sea from land setting
The system tracks and prioritises targets, assigns the firing sections to the targets and can also assign targets to other air defence systems. 		Missile shortly after leaving the Spada 2000 defence system in flight
The Spada 2000 air defence missile system shortly after being fired. 		Artist's impression of the Spada 2000 air defence missile system
Artist's impression of the Spada 2000 air defence missile system.
Artist's montage of the Spada 2000 system
Artist's montage of the Spada 2000 system
SPYDER Surface-to-Air Python 5 and Derby
SPYDER-SR mobile firing unit
The SPYDER-SR mobile firing unit. The launcher can carry any combination of four Python 5 or Derby missiles. 		Diagram of the Spyder surface-to-air missile system
SPYDER is a low-level quick reaction surface-to-air missile system capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, unmanned air vehicles, drones and precision-guided munitions. 		Cross section of the SPYDER command and control shelter
The SPYDER command and control shelter. It can receive data from upper tier command and control from a distance of up to 100km.
SPYDER-SR command and control unit with mast
The SPYDER-SR command and control unit with the mast-mounted Elta EL/M 2106 ATAR 3-D surveillance radar, which can simultaneously track up to 60 targets. 		Diagram of SPYDER air defence deployment
SPYDER air defence deployment. A typical SPYDER squadron consists of one mobile command and control unit and four mobile firing units. 		SPYDER missile being fired from a HMMWV launch vehicle
The Derby medium-range, active radar-guided missile, seen here on a HMMWV launch vehicle.
Diagram showing the main components of the SPYDER air defence system
The main components of the SPYDER-SR air defence system – one command and control unit (CCU), four mobile firing units (MFU), 16 Python 5 and Derby missiles and a missile supply vehicle.
Starstreak
Starstreak being fired from its host armoured vehicle.
Starstreak being fired from its host armoured vehicle. 		Starstreak missile being fired from an Apache attack helicopter.
Starstreak missile being fired from an Apache attack helicopter. 		Soldier using the shoulder-launched Starstreak.
The shoulder-launched Starstreak.
Firing of the Lightweight Multiple Launcher
The lightweight multiple launcher. 		Self-propelled Starstreak system Armoured Starstreak
Armoured Starstreak is a self-propelled Starstreak system. 		The aiming unit of the Starstreak system
The aiming unit.
The Starstreak Dart
The dart. 		The Starstreak Missile
The missile.
Surface-Launched AMRAAM (SL-AMRAAM / CLAWS)
CLAWS (HUMRAAM) missile system launching a defence missile
The CLAWS (HUMRAAM) launcher for the surface-launched AMRAAM air defence missile. 		Norwegian Advanced SAM System (NASAMS) firing a AMRAAM rocket
The Norwegian Advanced SAM System (NASAMS). The NASAMS launcher has six ready to fire AMRAAM missiles. 		The Raytheon AMRAAM AIM-120C missile
The Raytheon AMRAAM AIM-120C missile is fitted with clipped fins and has longer range and has very high agility to counter targets making evasive manoeuvres.
Raytheon AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar
Surface-launched AMRAAM is cued by the Raytheon AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar. 		HAWK-AMRAAM missiles loaded onto a universal missle launcher
Raytheon and Kongsberg have produced HAWK-AMRAAM which features HAWK and AMRAAM missiles on universal launchers. 		F-16 aircraft in flight firing a AIM-120 AMRAAM missile
The AIM-120 AMRAAM missile fired from an F-16 aircraft.
Diagram of the AIM-120A/B AMRAAM missile
The AIM-120A/B AMRAAM missile. 		Missile being fired from a HAWK-AMRAAM universial missile system
The combined capabilities of the two missile systems allow HAWK-AMRAAM to provide more extensive air defence coverage and higher firepower.
THAAD Theatre High-Altitude Area Defence
THAAD missile defense system set up in a field setting
The THAAD weapon system consists of launchers, missiles, battle management / command, control, communications and intelligence (BMC3I) units and THAAD radars. 		THAAD missile defence system launching its 200km ranging missiles
THAAD is designed to protect against incoming threats such as tactical and theatre ballistic missiles at ranges of 200km. 		Hit to kill technology in use in as the THAAD fires its missiles
The THAAD missile uses kinetic energy, hit-to-kill technology.
Smoke covering THAAD launching vehicle when missile is fired
The THAAD system provides the upper tier of a layered defensive shield. The PAC-3 missile provides the lower tier. 		THAAD missile creating smoke and vapour trail during launch
The THAAD missile seeker provides stabilised infrared imagery of the targeted warhead. The seeker allows terminal homing and aim point selection. 		THAAD missile breaking through cloud line to intercept a high altitude missile target
THAAD is designed to intercept incoming missiles at higher altitudes and greater distances than existing systems.
THAAD targeting in a field setting during the day
The THAAD battery will typically operate nine launch vehicles each carrying eight missiles, with two mobile tactical operations centers (TOCs) and a ground-based radar (GBR). 		THAAD missile system taking aim during the night
A contract for the first two production THAAD missile systems was placed in January 2007.
Tunguska M1
Tunguska M1 Low Level Air Defense System
Tunguska-M1 is a gun/missile system for low-level air defence. 		Tunguska - M1 on operation in the desert
Tunguska - M1. 		9M311-M1 Surface-to-Air Missile
The 9M311-M1 Surface-to-Air Missile.
A 9M311 - M1 Surface-to-Air Missile being launched
Launch of the 9M311 - M1 Surface-to-Air Missile. 		Tunguska-M1's 30mm guns firing tracer rounds
Tunguska-M1's 30mm guns firing tracer rounds. 		Tunguska M1Low Level Air Defense System with hatch open
Tunguska-M1 with hatch open showing the radar.
Vertical Launch Mica
Vertical launch Mica short-range air defence system
The vertical launch Mica short-range air defence system. 		Mica missile used in the vertical launch system
The Mica missile is available with radio frequency seeker (on the left) or infrared seeker (on the right). 		The VL Mica launcher
The VL Mica launcher.
Vertical launcher capable of firing IR-guided Mica missiles
The launcher can fire any combination of RF or IR-guided Mica missiles. 		The fire and forget system of the Mica short range launcher
The fire and forget system can carry out simultaneous engagement of multiple targets. 		Vertical launch system which provides 360 degree air threat coverage
The VL system gives 360 degree coverage against air threats.
Diagram of the Mica Vertical Lauch system in operation
The VL Mica system includes a Tactical Operations Centre with up to four missile launchers.

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