The US Army has announced a follow-on contract with BAE Systems to advance the development of Multi-Class Soft Kill System (MCSKS) countermeasures aimed at enhancing the protection of ground combat vehicles. This development focuses on reinforcing the Army’s existing electronic warfare capabilities, particularly through the refinement of BAE’s laser-based countermeasure systems known as Stormcrow and Terra Raven.
These advancements are designed to significantly bolster the Army’s Active Protection System, enabling it to effectively neutralize threats posed by guided missiles and other nearby dangers, thereby decreasing the reliance on explosive munitions during operations. The new MCSKS contract signifies a continuation of BAE’s commitment to evolving its previous protective measures, building on the foundation laid by earlier programs such as the Advanced Layered Soft Kill System and the Layered Soft Kill System.
The work associated with these advanced protection systems is primarily conducted at BAE’s facility in Austin, Texas. Furthermore, this technology is bolstered by ongoing research and development from BAE’s FAST Labs organization, located in Merrimack, New Hampshire.
Jared Belinsky, the Director of Integrated Survivability Solutions at BAE Systems, emphasized the necessity for modern combat vehicles to incorporate active protection systems that can swiftly and effectively address contemporary threats. He stated that missile countermeasures represent a critical component of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the complexities of electromagnetic warfare, asserting their commitment to building an “Intrepid Shield™” around the platforms utilized by their clients, thereby enhancing their operational effectiveness in combat scenarios.
The Terra Raven countermeasure, in particular, showcases non-kinetic and infrared capabilities that have been adapted from defense systems originally designed for aircraft. This system significantly increases the survivability of ground vehicles against anti-tank missiles. It is equipped with BAE’s 360 MVP Sensor situational awareness suite, which offers slew-to-cue capabilities, allowing it to automatically detect, track threats, and notify vehicle crews accordingly. The modular architecture of the Terra Raven facilitates easy integration and customization, making it adaptable to a wide range of mission requirements, aligning with BAE’s overarching goal of enhancing battlefield performance for modern military operations.
