CAMM-ER + GRIFO: Italy’s Next-Generation Air Defense System
🔹 Overview:
The CAMM-ER + GRIFO system is an advanced medium-range air defense solution being developed and deployed by Italy. It is designed to replace legacy systems like SPADA and Skyguard-Aspide, and to provide a modern, flexible, and highly mobile shield against aerial threats.
🚀 CAMM-ER (Common Anti-air Modular Missile – Extended Range)
- Manufacturer: MBDA Italia
- Range: Over 40 km
- Altitude coverage: Up to 15 km
- Guidance: Active radar homing (no need for continuous radar illumination)
- Launch method: Soft vertical launch (cold launch system with thrust vectoring)
✅ Features:
- Can engage fast jets, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, and some ballistic missiles.
- Uses a cold launch system, allowing 360° coverage from stationary launchers.
- Compact and modular design, enabling integration on land, sea, and mobile platforms.
- Offers all-weather, day-night, and multi-target capability.
🛡️ GRIFO Radar and Fire Control System
- Manufacturer: Leonardo (Italy)
- Purpose: Acts as the fire control and target acquisition system for CAMM-ER.
- Radar type: 3D AESA radar with rotating antenna.
- Range: Estimated detection range of more than 80 km for fighter-size targets.
- Integrated C2 (Command and Control) system.
✅ Features:
- Provides real-time threat evaluation, target tracking, and engagement coordination.
- Can coordinate multiple launchers and batteries.
- Designed for high mobility and modular deployment (trucks, shelters, or fixed installations).
🧪 Development & Deployment
- GRIFO + CAMM-ER form the core of two Italian defense programs:
- MAADS (Medium Advanced Air Defense System) – for the Italian Air Force.
- GRIFO System – for the Italian Army.
- The systems are being fielded progressively from 2024–2026.
- Both use interoperable NATO-standard interfaces, enabling integration with other air defense networks.
