MBDA unveils its new MANPADS at Farnborough: next-generation man-portable air defense

MBDA presented, for the first time at the Farnborough International Airshow, its new MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defence System) VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defense) solution, under development for the Italian Army and ready to be marketed to export customers.

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The new VSHORAD missile is a supersonic, “fire-and-forget” type, all-weather interceptor, equipped with a seeker with image processing capability. It can intercept fighters, helicopters and small drones. Its design will allow seamless integration into both current vehicles (IDV’s VTLM2 with Leonardo turret, as shown at the MBDA booth) and future vehicles equipped with 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).

See also: Manpads in Ukraine: The return of Russian aircraft’s biggest fear

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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.