How to counter Cruise Missiles and Suicide Drones

[Khafee]

Dear Members,

As the recent attack on Saudi oilfields showed that Cruise Missiles and Suicide Drones can be tough to counter, and can slip through existing air defence systems, I thought it would be prudent if we could have a thread on this topic.

@Signalian @Fenrir @Scorpion @BATMAN @AliYusuf @Defence_reader and others do feel free to contribute.

 

[Khafee]

One system that could see action in the future, with a land based version is this:

SeaRAM Anti-Ship Missile Defense System

The SeaRAM® missile system defends ships against supersonic and subsonic threats including cruise missiles, drones and helicopters.

The innovative SeaRAM system combines key attributes of the Phalanx® close-in weapon system and the RAM™ guided weapon system. The SeaRAM system combines the superior accuracy, extended range and high maneuverability of the RAM missile with the high resolution search-and-track sensor and reliable, quick-response capability of the Phalanx Block 1B system. An 11-missile RAM system launcher assembly replaces the Phalanx system’s 20 mm gun.

An affordable capability upgrade, the SeaRAM above-deck system fits the exact footprint of the Phalanx system, uses the same power and requires minimal shipboard modification.

The SeaRAM® anti-ship missile defense system is fired during exercises in China Lake, California. (Photo: NAVSEA)

SeaRAM Anti-Ship Missile Defense System | Raytheon

The SeaRAM® missile system defends ships against supersonic and subsonic threats including cruise missiles, drones and helicopters.

www.raytheon.com

 

[!eon]

Indeed they are difficult to counter. Saudia and UAE should develop them in thousands and more thousands, as they can afford these.
That's how Iran would fight, if any war occurs in future.
It's already clear how dangerous they are.

 

[Khafee]

National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS)

The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS™) is a highly adaptable mid-range solution for any operational air defense requirement. The system provides the air defender with a tailorable, state-of-the-art defense system that can maximize their ability to quickly identify, engage and destroy current and evolving enemy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle and emerging cruise missile threats.

NASAMS is owned by eleven countries and has been integrated into the U.S. National Capital Region’s air defense system since 2005. In addition to the U.S., Norway, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, Oman, Lithuania, Indonesia, Australia, Qatar and one undisclosed country have chosen to depend on NASAMS for homeland defense and the defense of critical assets.

Together with Norwegian partner KONGSBERG Defence and Aerospace, AS, Raytheon continues to integrate new capabilities into NASAMS to develop and field highly capable and fully integrated solutions. NASAMS is comprised of the Raytheon Sentinel radar, the KONGSBERG Fire Distribution Center, and the Raytheon Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile. Built on a modular, distributed, open hardware and software architecture, NASAMS is well positioned to enable future technology, feature and capability insertion including sensors and missiles. As the NASAMS user community grows, new technology insertions will provide current and future NASAMS partners access to the most technologically advanced and combat-ready system in the world.

Quick Facts

Role and Mobility	Mid-Range Air Defense; Highly mobile, mounted on truck or rail
Interceptor and Range	SLAMRAAAM; 40 km
Targets	Aircraft, UAVs, and Cruise Missiles
Status and Exports	Operational; Norway, The Netherlands, Spain, United States (defense of the National Capital Region), Finland, Oman, Lithuania, Indonesia and an undisclosed nation
Producer	Raytheon and Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace (Norway)

Overview

Also known as the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) is designed for mid-range air defense and can be deployed to engage aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and UAVs. The system is also fielded to protect high-value assets and mass population centers—including the National Capital Region—against air-to-surface threats.https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/air-defense/u-s-air-defense/u-s-deployed-air-defense-systems/national-advanced-surface-to-air-missile-system-nasams/#_edn1

Jointly designed by Raytheon and Kongsberg, NASAMS reached operational capability in 1994 and was first deployed by the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The system can engage 72 targets simultaneously in active and passive modes and, using active seeker missiles, can intercept targets beyond visual range. The NASAMS is armed with three launchers, each carrying up to six missiles. The primary weapon used by the system is the AIM-120 AMRAAM, however, the system can also employ AIM-9X Sidewinder, ESSM, and indigenous missiles.[ii]

The NASAMS uses Raytheon MPQ-64F1 Sentinel high-resolution, 3D pencil beam surveillance radar, which detects and tracks targets. The system is also fitted with a passive electro-optic and infrared sensor, hard-real-time communication network, and an embedded and standalone mission planning tool. The NASAMS uses a fire distribution center command-and-control unit to perform the battle management command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (BMC4I) functions.[iii]

An upgraded version of the system called NASAMS II has been in service since 2007 and is equipped with new radar and 12 missile launchers for quicker identification and target destruction. In June 2015, Raytheon and Kongsberg entered into a 10-year agreement to expand their partnership on NASAMS until 2025.[iv]

In 2003, the Spanish Army acquired four NASAMS. Since 2006, Norway, Finland, and the Netherlands have ordered the upgraded NASAMS II air defense system.


Note: NASMS ER has an additional 40km range.

 

[Khafee]

Indeed they are difficult to counter. Saudia and UAE should develop them in thousands and more thousands, as they can afford these.
That's how Iran would fight, if any war occurs in future.
It's already clear how dangerous they are.

I think reality has sunk in, and this line is being worked on. In the mean time, you or someone else could do a thread on affordable CM's with 1500km range

 

[Khafee]

Pantsir-S1 Air defence missile/gun system


The Pantsir-S1 air defence missile/gun system is designed for air defence of small military, (including mobile), administrative and industrial installations and areas against enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and precision guided weapons. It is also used to reinforce the Air Defence groupings when repelling massive air attacks.

The Pantsir-S1 has the following main features:

combined missile/gun armament;

immune radar/optical fire control system, consisting of a target tracking and missile guidance radar and a thermal imager for target tracking and missile direction finding;

engagement of 4 targets at once;

automatic target engagement mode;

firing surface-to-air missiles (SAM) in radar mode;

autonomous operation with an automatic target engagement cycle, from target acquisition to engagement;

use of the combat vehicle as part of a battery in different combat operation modes;

engagement of a target by the missile and gun armament from a stationary position and on the move;

modular design of the combat vehicle allowing the development of its different versions.

Types of targets engaged: aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, precision guided weapons, ground targets.

 

[BATMAN]

ECM could be one good solution.

 

[Khafee]

ECM could be one good solution.

Kindly elaborate.

 

[Scorpion]

ECM could be one good solution.

ECM affects the surrounding environment as well.

In my opinion the Pantsir missile system is the way to go.

 

[Khafee]

ECM affects the surrounding environment as well.

In my opinion the Pantsir missile system is the way to go.

Question is how would Panstsir stand up to a swarm attack, like the recent one.

 

[Lieutenant]

Raytheon PHASER gun.

 

[Khafee]

Raytheon PHASER gun.

View attachment 10203

View attachment 10204

The problem with this is tech and Lasers, "as of now" is the time it spends on a single target. This can be detrimental in a swarm attack.

 

[Lieutenant]

Question is how would Panstsir stand up to a swarm attack, like the recent one.

Not possible. I think THAAD like radar is the key here for early identification and then use multiple SHORAD systems to neutralizes the threat.

 

[BATMAN]

ECM affects the surrounding environment as well.

In my opinion the Pantsir missile system is the way to go.

Yes it does, than install it 5 km. away and 2 km above the refinery etc. and encircle the facility.
Those helium balloons with some electronics might be good idea.
Facility may not have GSM connection but than there will be compromises.

@Khafee probably knows, once in 80's great general Zial ul Haque. swarmed the aispace around the Kahuta research labs with balloons, on tip from Saudi Arabia about Israeli F-16 flying south-east. but those were simple balloons without ECM. Still that manged to sabotage the Israeli air raid.

 

[BATMAN]

Those facilities, which are in populated areas like RT refinery. That could be provided cover with phaser gun.