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CAMM (missile family)

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CAMM (Common Anti-Air Modular Missile)
An MBDA computer generated graphic showing a CAMM missile in flight
Type
  • CAMM: short range anti-aircraft and anti-missile missile
  • CAMM-ER: short range anti-aircraft and anti-missile missile
  • CAMM-MR: medium range anti-aircraft and anti-missile missile
Place of originUnited Kingdom
United Kingdom & Italy (CAMM-ER)
United Kingdom & Poland (CAMM-MR)
Service history
In service
  • Sea Ceptor – 2018
  • Sky Sabre – 2021
Production history
DesignerMBDA UK
MBDA & Avio (CAMM-ER)
Designed2004
Specifications
Mass
  • CAMM: 99 kg (218 lb)
  • CAMM-ER: 166 kg (366 lb)
Length
  • CAMM: 3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)
  • CAMM-ER: 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in)
Diameter
  • CAMM: 166 mm (6.5 in)
  • CAMM-ER: 190 mm (7.5 in)
Wingspan450 mm (18 in)

WarheadHigh-explosive blast fragmentation warhead with proximity and impact fuze
Warhead weight10 kg (22 lb)

EngineSolid-fuel rocket motor
Operational
range
  • CAMM: > 25 km (16 mi)
  • CAMM-ER: > 45 km (28 mi)
  • CAMM-MR: > 100 km (62 mi)
Flight altitude10,000 m (33,000 ft)
Maximum speed Mach 3 (1,029 m/s; 3,376 ft/s)
Guidance
system
Inertial guidance system with mid-course update and active radar terminal homing
Steering
system
Four folding cruciform wings
ReferencesJanes[1][2]

The CAMM (Common Anti-Air Modular Missile) is a family of surface-to-air missiles developed by MBDA UK for the United Kingdom. CAMM shares some common features and components with the ASRAAM air-to-air missile, but with updated electronics and an active radar homing seeker.

As Sea Ceptor, CAMM is replacing the Sea Wolf missile on Type 23 frigates of the Royal Navy since 2018.[3] As Land Ceptor, it is the missile part of the Sky Sabre air defence system, which since 2021 has been replacing the Rapier missile in British Army service. The system is also contributing to the updating of MBDA's ASRAAM in service with the Royal Air Force.

An extended-range version of the CAMM (CAMM-ER) was co-developed with Italy and is capable of reaching targets over 45 km away.[4] A larger CAMM-MR missile with a range of over 100 km is being co-developed with Poland[5] to equip Polish Miecznik class frigates, Patriot batteries and British platforms.

Development

The Common Anti-Air Modular Missile has its roots in a Technology Demonstration Programme (TDP), jointly funded by MBDA and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as part of the United Kingdom's Future Local Area Air Defence System (FLAADS).[6] FLAADS is part of a wider UK 'Team Complex Weapons' programme to deliver a variety of weapons and maintain UK sovereign capability in this area.[7] FLAADS is intended to deliver a common weapons platform, the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM), to equip forces in the air, land and maritime environments.[8][9] During the early stages of the FLAADS programme, requirements were identified for the new missile to meet both current and anticipated threats, namely "airborne targets which are typified by high speed, rapid evasive manoeuvres, low signatures and advanced countermeasure[s]."[10]

Phase 1 of the TDP worked on technologies for soft vertical launch, the low-cost active radar seeker, a dual-band two-way datalink and a programmable open systems architecture.[6] Phase 2 began in 2008 and covered the manufacture of flight-worthy subsystems, mid-course guidance firings and captive airborne seeker trials on a Qinetiq Andover experimental aircraft.[6] The Soft Vertical Launch was proven over a series of trials, culminating in a successful truck launch in May 2011.[11] In January 2012 the MoD awarded MBDA a £483 million contract to develop FLAADS (Maritime) to replace Sea Wolf missiles on Type 23 frigates.[7]

Milestones

  • In January 2012, MBDA and the Ministry of Defence announced a contract worth £483 million to fully develop the maritime application of CAMM known as Sea Ceptor for the Royal Navy.[12]
  • In October 2013, the Royal New Zealand Navy selected CAMM to equip their Anzac-class frigates HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana.[13]
  • In August 2014, the Chilean Navy emerged as a potential export customer for CAMM to equip their Type 23 frigates.[14]
  • In November 2014, the Brazilian Navy selected CAMM to equip their future Tamandaré-class frigates.[15]
  • In January 2015, the Ministry of Defence announced that it had signed a development and manufacturing deal with MBDA in late December 2014.[16]
  • In May 2016, the Spanish Navy selected CAMM-ER to equip their future F110-class frigates. Later in 2018 the missile lost against RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile Block II[17]
  • In September 2017, the first Sea Ceptor missile was successfully fired at sea from the Type 23 frigate, HMS Argyll.[18]
  • In July 2021 it was reported that Sky Sabre had started acceptance trials and training with the Royal Artillery. It was planned to deploy the system in the Falkland Islands in "late summer/early autumn".[19][20]
  • In March 2022 the Secretary of State for Defence announced that Sky Sabre would be deployed to Poland, in response to concerns of further aggression from Russia following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[21]

Operational history

United Kingdom

Sea Ceptor entered operational service with the Royal Navy in May 2018, with HMS Argyll being the first Type 23 frigate to deploy with the system.[22][23]

Land Ceptor was delivered to the British Army as part of the Sky Sabre air defence system in December 2021, before being declared operational in January 2022.[24][25] During the same month, its first deployment was announced to the Falkland Islands to replace the existing Rapier missile batteries.[26] In March 2022, the UK announced it would be deploying the Sky Sabre missile system to Poland to bolster NATO's Eastern flank following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[27]

Characteristics

CAMM is a point defence and local area defence missile designed to respond to sophisticated missile and aircraft attacks.[7] MBDA states that CAMM has a "high rate of fire against multiple simultaneous targets",[23] providing capabilities comparable to the Aster 15 missile.

Development costs were reduced by a using modular design and minimised complexity.[6] Additionally, the command and control software reuses over 75% of that developed for the PAAMS system.[11]

CAMM has a minimum operational range of less than 1 km and a maximum range greater than 25 km, although IHS Jane's reports that trials have a shown a capability of up to 60 km.[28] These ranges are significantly greater than the 1–10 km range of Sea Wolf and other systems that CAMM will replace.[22] CAMM weighs 99 kilograms (218 pounds), is 3.2 m (10 ft 6 in) in length, 166 millimetres (6.5 in) diameter and reaches generous supersonic speeds of Mach 3 (or 1,020 meters per second).

CAMM's claimed benefits include:

  • Active RF seeker that means there is no need for complex and high-cost fire control/illumination radars[citation needed]
  • A two-way datalink.
  • A Soft Vertical Launch (SVL) system that offers 360° degree coverage. This uses a gas generator to eject the missile from its canister, the benefits of which include increased range – by saving all the rocket motor's energy to power the intercept – reduced minimum intercept range, reduced stress on launch platforms, reduced maintenance costs, more compact installations on ships and there being no need to manage the hot gas efflux on board, reduced launch signature, and on land the possibility of firing the missile from wooded or urban areas.
  • CAMM comes in its own launch canisters, or alternately can be quad-packed into existing vertical launching systems.[29]

CAMM's Extended Range application is known as CAMM-ER and has been under development with MBDA and Avio for the Italian MoD since 2013.[26] The CAMM-ER (extended range variant) shares the same characteristics of the original CAMM with the exception of a new Avio rocket engine which significantly increases the missile's engagement range, out to 45 km and a slightly adapted missile structure. The missile is 160 kilograms (350 pounds) in weight, 4.2 metres (14 feet) in length, 190 millimetres (7.5 in) diameter.[30]

Applications

Sea Ceptor cells on the British Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster

Sea

The maritime application of CAMM is known as Sea Ceptor.[31] In Royal Navy, it's nicknamed the mushroom farm due to the round cap design of the missile's vertical launch system.[32]

MBDA claims that CAMM has a "wide target set", including the capability to engage small naval vessels, which would give the missile a limited surface-to-surface role. The Anti-Air-Warfare Officer of the Type 23 Frigate HMS Westminster said after test firings “Westminster managed to explore the real potential of the system during her training and to say it is a real game changer is an understatement. Unlike its predecessor, the system is capable of defending ships other than Westminster herself. Whether it’s engaging multiple air threats or fast incoming attack craft, Sea Ceptor represents a massive capability upgrade for the Type 23 frigate.”[33]

The maritime application of CAMM-ER is known as Albatros NG.[34]

Land

A Sky Sabre air defence missile system of the Royal Artillery.

On land, CAMM is known as Land Ceptor by the British Army and the whole land-based air defence system is known as Sky Sabre.[35][36] Deliveries to the Royal Artillery began in December 2021.[37]

The system has over three times the range of its predecessor Rapier.[36] This system consists of Land Ceptor missiles,[38] SAAB Giraffe AMB radars and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Modular Integrated C4I Air & Missile Defense System (MIC4AD),[39] all mounted on MAN trucks.[40]

For international customers, MBDA markets the 'Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions (EMADS).[41]

Air

Originally, the CAMM programme aspired to provide land-, sea- and air-launch capabilities, but it was deemed more effective to instead develop CAMM for use for land and sea only, while using the well established ASRAAM short range air-to-air missile to cover the air-launched role. However, technologies and components developed for CAMM have been used as part of an upgrade to ASRAAM.[42][43]

Operators

CAMM operators in blue, and future operators in dark grey.

Current operators

 Chile
 New Zealand
 United Kingdom
 Poland
  • Polish Armed Forces - CAMM was selected as part of Poland's Narew ground-based air defence system in November 2021.[48] In April 2022, Poland bought two CAMM system fire units (1 battery) as a bridge solution until the target version for the Narew program was developed. The set includes a total of 6 iLaunchers (3 per fire unit), 2 ZDPSR Soła radars, Polish command system and transport vehicles, and a supply of missiles.[49]
  • On the 4th of October the first fully operational unit anti-aircraft system called "Little Narew" utilizing the CAMM family missiles was handed over to the soldiers of the 18th Anti-Aircraft Regiment in Zamość[50][51]

Future operators

 Brazil
 Canada
 Pakistan
 Italy
 Poland
 Saudi Arabia

See also

References

  1. ^ Janes (26 September 2022), "Sea Ceptor (GWS 35)/Common Anti‐air Modular Missile (CAMM)", Janes Weapons: Naval, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 26 September 2022
  2. ^ Janes (28 January 2022), "EMADS (CAMM; CAMM-ER)", Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 26 September 2022
  3. ^ MacAskill, Ewen (24 May 2018). "UK's new Sea Ceptor missile system enters into service". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  4. ^ "MBDA: successful qualification firing of MAADS with CAMM-ER". MBDA Systems. 5 May 2023.
  5. ^ "Polish Air Defence Enters a New Era [COMMENTARY]". 19 October 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d Scott, Richard (11 September 2009). "UK's common anti-air missile forges ahead..." IHS Jane's. Archived from the original on 15 August 2011. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  7. ^ a b Chuter, Andrew (30 January 2012). "MBDA To Develop Missile To Protect U.K. Warships". Defense News.
  8. ^ Luff, Peter (7 March 2012), "Future Local Area Air Defence System", House of Commons Written Answers, UK Parliament, Column 780W
  9. ^ Complex Weapons Hansard, 15 July 2008
  10. ^ FLAADS Archived May 13, 2014, at the Wayback Machine MBDA, June 2010
  11. ^ "Common Anti Air Modular Missile (CAMM)". Think Defence. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  12. ^ "Sea Ceptor, MBDA’s Next Generation Air Defence System Gets Go Ahead For Royal Navy Frigates", 31 January 2012, navyrecognition.com
  13. ^ a b "Sea Ceptor selected for ANZAC Frigate Update". MBDA Missile Systems. 7 October 2013. Archived from the original on 30 March 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  14. ^ "MBDA: "Chile podría adoptar el misil Sea Ceptor en la modernización de sus fragatas tipo 23"" (in Spanish). infodefensa. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
  15. ^ a b "Brazilian Navy Selects MBDA's Sea Ceptor for Air Defense". MBDA. 1 December 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  16. ^ Chuter, Andrew (12 January 2015). "UK Signs Deal For New Air Defense Missile". DefenseNews. Sightline Media Group.
  17. ^ Infodefensa.com (21 September 2015). "La idea de comunalidad de sistemas de MBDA cala en Europa - Noticias Infodefensa España" (in Spanish).
  18. ^ "Defence Minister announces successful first firings of Sea Ceptor missiles to protect new aircraft carriers". www.gov.uk.
  19. ^ "Sky Sabre weapons system - a Freedom of Information request to Ministry of Defence". WhatDoTheyKnow. 4 October 2020.
  20. ^ a b "7th Air Defence Group". www.army.mod.uk.
  21. ^ "uk-deploy-sky-sabre-missile-defence-system-poland-says-minister". Reuters. 17 March 2022.
  22. ^ "£850m Sea Ceptor missile system enters service with the Royal Navy". Royal Navy. 24 May 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  23. ^ a b "Royal Navy Missile Contract Sustains 500 UK Jobs". GOV.UK. 10 September 2013. Archived from the original on 30 March 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
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  25. ^ a b "Sky Sabre enters UK service, replacing Rapier". Janes Information Services. 28 January 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  26. ^ "Sky Sabre installed as 16 Regiment Royal Artillery's new colours". BFBS. 27 January 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  27. ^ "Ukraine war: UK deploying Sky Sabre ground based air defence system and 100 troops to Poland". Sky News. 17 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  28. ^ "UK orders next-generation air defence system from MBDA". IHS Jane's. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
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  30. ^ "CAMM-ER - MBDA". MBDA. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
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  32. ^ "Destroyers' firepower enhanced with addition of Sea Ceptor". Royal Navy. 6 July 2021.
  33. ^ "Missile success for HMS Westminster as second ship to fire new Sea Ceptor". www.royalnavy.mod.uk. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  34. ^ "ALBATROS NG | Maritime Superiority". MBDA.
  35. ^ Ripley, Tim (14 February 2018). "British Army unveils Sky Sabre air defence system". CBRN Assessment. IHS Markit. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
  36. ^ a b "Final configuration of British Army Land Ceptor unveiled". MBDA (Press release). 12 September 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  37. ^ "British Army receives Sky Sabre air-defence system". Janes.com. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
  38. ^ mbda-systems.com/product/camm/
  39. ^ "British Army receives Sky Sabre air-defence system". israeldefense.co.il. 26 February 2017. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  40. ^ Uppal, Rajesh (20 April 2019). "UK unveils its new Sky Sabre air defence system integated with CAMM..." International Defense Security Technology Inc. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  41. ^ "EMADS | Ground Based Air Defence".
  42. ^ "MBDA receives capability sustainment order for ASRAAM" (Press release). MBDA. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  43. ^ "MOD to upgrade air-to-air missile". www.gov.uk. 16 September 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  44. ^ "Lockheed Martin Updates Chilean Frigates". www.monch.com.
  45. ^ "National Shipbuilding Strategy" (PDF). GOV.UK. 16 September 2017. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
  46. ^ "£500m firepower upgrade for Type 45 destroyers". GOV.UK. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  47. ^ "MBDA's Advanced Air Defence System for the British Army Enters Assessment Phase". MBDA Missile Systems. 1 May 2014. Archived from the original on 30 March 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
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  49. ^ Adamowski, Jaroslaw (14 April 2022). "Poland will get a new air-defense system after the summer". Defense News. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  50. ^ "Handing over little Narew in the presence of the Secretary of Defense of Great Britain". www.defence24.pl (in Polish). 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  51. ^ ""Little Narew" in the 18th Anti-Aircraft Regiment". www.defence24.pl (in Polish). 4 October 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  52. ^ During, Nelson (14 November 2014). "MBDA e AVIBRAS anunciam projeto de Defesa Antiaérea de média altura" [MBDA and AVIBRAS announce medium range Air Defense project] (in Portuguese). DefesaNet. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  53. ^ "MBDA Confirms Sea Ceptor Order for Canadian Surface Combatant". Naval News. 19 April 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  54. ^ "Pakistan Reportedly Launch Customer of Naval CAMM-ER". Quwa. 13 June 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  55. ^ "Fregaty powstaną w oparciu o platformę AH140". Twitter (in Polish). 21 March 2022.
  56. ^ Vavasseur, Xavier (1 February 2023). "MBDA Wins Contract To Supply CAMM to Royal Saudi Navy's MMSC". Naval News. Retrieved 2 February 2023.