Aviation & Missile Solutions’ Post

The iron dome is an amazing air defense system and it is going to get even better

Recommendation: Ukraine should acquire Trophy active protection systems from Israel's Rafael defense company to protect its dwindling inventory of Leopold tanks. Trophy (Israel Defense Forces designation as "Windbreaker") is a military active protection system (APS) designed to protect vehicles from anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), anti-tank rockets, and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds. A small number of explosively formed projectiles destroy incoming threats before they hit the vehicle. Its principal purpose is to supplement the armor of light and heavy armored fighting vehicles. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. of Israel and currently fielding over 1,000 systems to all major Israeli ground combat platforms (Merkava Mark 3 & 4 and Namer APCs), and U.S. Abrams M1A1/2, and tested on the Stryker APCs and Bradley Fighting Vehicles (BFVs). Trophy protects against a wide variety of anti-tank threats, while also maximizing the vehicle's ability to identify enemy location to crews and combat formation, thereby providing greater survivability and maneuverability in all combat theaters.

When it Rains it Pours Advancing Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Counter UAS to defend the United States Homeland within DOD and inter-agencies Defending the Nation is foremost

𝐔𝐒 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲'𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐬: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 The recent approval by the US State Department of Italy's requests for air-to-air missiles and small bombs signifies a great deal in the ongoing partnership between the two countries, aimed at fortifying Italy's defense capabilities. With a total value of $214 million, these acquisitions represent a strategic investment in Italy's military readiness and preparedness to address evolving security challenges in the region. One of the key components of this agreement is the procurement of 12 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for $69.3 million. Manufactured by RTX, these advanced missiles are poised to significantly enhance the aerial combat capabilities of the Italian Armed Forces. Compatible with Italy's fleet of American-made F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, the addition of AMRAAM missiles will provide Italy with a formidable defense against potential threats. Simultaneously, Italy is set to receive 125 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) – Increment II, as part of a proposed $150 million agreement. These precision-guided munitions will be integrated into Italy's F-35 aircraft. Similar to the AMRAAM deal, RTX will serve as the prime contractor for the SDB acquisition, overseeing the delivery of weapon load crew trainers, spare parts, and essential munitions support services.   Picture by: Staff Sgt. Jordan Martin/US Air Force

An interesting article by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). One of the most common criticisms of advanced Air and Missile Defense (AMD) systems, such as the Iron Dome, is the comparative cost of the interceptor vs. the threat. What such critics fail to realize, and one of the main points given in the article, is that the potential cost of damages should such a “cheap” threat hit its target can be exponentially more than that of the interceptor used. While the article points to the conflict against the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, it can also take an example of the AMD efforts in Israel. According to INSS Israel, more than 11,000 ballistic threats have been launched towards Israel since October 7th [1]. Had Israel not been protected by an advanced, multi-layered AMD array (headlined by the #IronDome and #DavidsSling, along with the Arrow and other systems), the loss of human life (priceless) and damage to assets and property would have been astronomical, most likely dwarfing the cost of the interceptors necessary to protect against such threats. Another argument I’d like to throw in on why AMD’s value far outweighs its costs can be made using a quote from the article: “Air defenses buy time to find another means to end the Houthi threat to shipping lanes. In this light, the important issue is not whether a single interceptor costs more than the missile it defeated, but rather whether those interceptors successfully allowed the United States to pursue its goals in the region effectively.” AMD is a critical strategic capability that provides decision-makers with the flexibility and time to make the correct decisions, and its costs cannot be analyzed without first looking at the significant value that it brings. #airdefense #missiledefense [1] https://lnkd.in/d9Jk7hsT

This is a really interesting analysis and good way of thinking about the value of IAMD in cost imposition. However it is focused on tactical employment not the design of the force. The problem is that IAMD is currently designed only for the high end fight, leaving warfighters with few options to defeat low end threats. We need to provide the warfighters with a broader range of systems to win when the enemy wants to impose costs.

A rethinking of the logic and purpose of the U.S. missile defense enterprise is urgently needed, suggests Jaganath Sankaran in this month's #ArmsControlToday cover story. Read "The Delusions and Dangers of Missile Defense" at ArmsControl.org/Today.

Air defenses and the Iron Dome system are crucial technologies in modern warfare, protecting territories and cities from various aerial threats, including missiles and aircraft. The Iron Dome system, based in Israel, is an advanced missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy incoming hostile missiles using anti-missile missiles. The effectiveness of these technologies relies on the advancement of military technology and effective coordination between defense systems and surveillance. Through continuous innovation, air defenses and the Iron Dome system remain at the forefront of defensive efforts to safeguard lives and properties.

At MSI/MSD, we go beyond basic compliance. We're proud to be a registered manufacturer with the U.S. State Department's #ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) program, which means we adhere to the official controls regulating the defense industry. We handle the complexities, so you can focus on what matters – mission success. #ITAR #aerospace #defense #compliance

Advanced sensors are one of the many capabilities RTX provides to enable tactical and operational leaders critical decision space. Simultaneously protecting the warfighter and designated critical assets!