Image source: topwar.ru
Leidos company, as part of the creation of a new air defense system Enduring Shield ("Indestructible Shield") for the US Army, produced the first set of air defense systems and tested it by launching an AIM-9X Sidewinder anti-aircraft missile.
As reported on the developer's website, the Enduring Shield is a mobile air defense system designed to intercept cruise missiles and drones in order to protect critical civilian and military facilities [that is, it is an object air defense system]. The new anti-aircraft system should occupy a niche between short-range tactical air defense systems and long-range air defense systems such as THAAD and MIM Patriot.
The launch was carried out through the IBCS general combat control system, which connects air defense and missile defense systems with fighters on the front line.
Image source: topwar.ru
The operational evaluation of the Enduring Shield is scheduled for the end of 2024. Previously, the program for its creation had already been suspended, in connection with which the US Congress instructed to purchase two Iron Dome batteries, developed by Rafael and Raytheon, as a temporary solution to protect against cruise missiles. After the revival of the project, he was faced with insufficient funding, but now it seems that things have moved forward.
Currently, the developer is seeking to supply the US Army with 12 launchers of the Enduring Shield air defense system, which should subsequently take the place of the Iron Dome system.
