MSHORAD: New mobile air defense system demonstrated in firing test. Mobile launcher version coming to Ukraine
Swedish company Saab recently performed a live demonstration of their latest development: the MSHORAD mobile short-range air defense system. Similar missile launchers in mobile configuration (RBS 70) are expected to arrive in Ukraine in the near future.
MSHORAD short-range air defense platform (a missile launcher). Image credit: Saab
The main purpose of this new defense solution is to identify and counter all threats from the air. This means that MSHORAD can locate enemy drones (UAVs) and conventional human-piloted aircraft and disable them if needed.
From the presentation of this new weapon, it is quite clear that Saab has analyzed very carefully the peculiarities of modern warfare. Basically, MSHORAD is specially adapted for combat situations that the Armed Forces of Ukraine often encounter, when soldiers have to deal with a large number of enemy aircraft and the ability to move quickly after. Attack is the key to ensure the safety of troops and equipment.
The Swedish MSHORAD platform is mounted on a relatively small MARS-S330 vehicle similar to an armored transport vehicle. Saab emphasizes that any other vehicle can be used as an alternative to the MARS-S330.
Image credit: Saab
Judging from the visual materials available, one vehicle acts as a ‘detector’ and the other acts as a rocket launcher. In a car, a Giraffe 1X radar with 360-degree coverage is mounted on the roof and it provides detection data to the center console located inside the car. BILLION
Another vehicle acts as a rocket launcher. After receiving the data, the rocket in the RBS 70 NG launcher is activated and launched within 5 seconds. All operational data is being processed by Saab’s GBAD C2 air defense control system.
Image credit: Saab
Saab claims on their website that the new radar is capable of detecting a UAV unit “lighter than a milk carton” 4 km away from the radar. This platform can destroy air targets at a distance of up to 7 km. Apparently, there’s also an option to aim the missile at ground targets, and the vehicle-mounted launcher can be taken off and reconfigured as a single-person mobile firing unit.
During that time live performanceFive successful shots were fired at different targets, including a UAV and a helicopter.
Image credit: Saab
Defense Express Note that the chances for Ukraine to receive this new mobile air defense system MSHORAD in the near future are slim. But for the manufacturer, it could turn out to be a perfect choice to demonstrate the platform’s capabilities in the ongoing war against invading Russian military forces.
A week ago, Sweden was announced new military package for Ukraine, which also includes the delivery of mobile RBS 70 short-range air defense missile systems. It remains unclear how long these systems will be delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and whether there are any specific contract conditions.
