US will strengthen Army air defense with new anti-aircraft missile systems

5 January, 2024 Launch of the AIM-9X missile from the IFPC anti-aircraft missile system. Photo credits: US Army The United States in 2024 will strengthen Army air defense with new radars and anti-aircraft missile systems.

Army Times reported about this. The US Department of Defense announced the strengthening of the army's structure of air defense systems in 2024 by ordering new radars and anti-aircraft missile systems. First of all, the Patriot PAC-3 anti-aircraft missile system will receive a new LTAMDS radar that will provide better capabilities in detecting and tracking targets.

Photo credits: Raytheon

In addition, in the use of MIM-104D/E missiles, the radar will provide a greater number of simultaneously destroyed targets into the air by improving the element base and using an active phased array antenna. The integration work of the radar station was completed in November 2023. The latest LTAMDS radar is a key component of the US Army's upgraded air and missile defense strategy.

An additional increase in air defense will be the purchase of new IFPC anti-aircraft missile systems, which are equipped with a modular launcher for 18 AIM-9X missiles. According to the schedule, the US Army in early 2024 should receive 12 anti-aircraft missile systems of this type.

When using an AIM-9X missile, the maximum range will be 41 km that provides ability to intercept drones, combat aircrafts, as well as helicopters with long-range anti-tank weapons. In addition to AIM-9X, the modular launcher can launch Hellfire, Stinger, as well as Tamir missiles. As Militarnyi reported earlier, the US Army conducted active defense exercises in Slovakia for the first time, using its new M-SHORAD air defense system.

The system is tested in the mountains of Slovakia, facing technological problems and severe weather conditions.

Despite some problems, the US military believes that the system works effectively.