SHAH ALAM: CAMM-ER complete trials. MBDA has successfully completed a firing of the CAMM-ER air defence missile against a manoeuvring target, confirming the excellent capability of the CAMM family system. The trial took place at an Italian firing range.
From MBDA:
CAMM-ER is the extended range member of the new-generation CAMM air defence family of systems.
All members of the CAMM family share the same cutting-edge active radar seeker and soft-launch system, with CAMM-ER featuring a larger rocket motor designed by AVIO to provide extended range out beyond 40 km. CAMM-ER was designed to replace the Aspide munition in the Medium Advanced Air Defence System (MAADS) of the Italian Air Force and the GRIFO air defence system of the Italian Army. CAMM-ER is the missile that will be used in the Albatros NG system, which provides an optimized naval based air defence (NBAD) solution to enhance the defence capabilities of naval fleets.
In other news, the US State Department announced that it has given the approval for the Foreign Military Sale of 10 F-16 Block 70/72and two F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets for $2.43 billion and their related equipment and ordnance including AMRAAMs to the Philippines.
A USAF F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 85th Test Evaluation Squadron shoots an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM over testing ranges near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., March 19, 2019. USAF picture
The Philippines is also approved for the sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II and AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Air Launched Block II Missiles to arm the F-16s.
Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 fighters. Lockheed Martin
Do note that approval for FMS does not mean that the sale has take place. The Philippines is must be said is weighing the purchase of up to 15 Saab Gripen C/D fighters instead of the Vipers as they were supposed to be cheaper.
RTAF Saab Gripen C taking off for its display at LIMA 17
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of F-16 Block 70/72 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.43 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $42.4 million.The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy twenty-four (24) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles; twenty-four (24) AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs); six (6) Tactical Guidance Units; and ten (10) Captive Air Training Missile (CATM) Guidance Units
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Air Launched Block II Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $120 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
US Navy ordnancemen fitting Harpoon missiles on a P-3 Orion MPA. US Navy.
The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy twelve (12) AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II air launched missiles; and two (2) ATM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Exercise missiles.
–Malaysian Defence
Small amount of fighter but big punch for weapon but the philippines still consider Gripen instead Viper.
Is camm-er the merad our RMAF is looking at?
Reply
I have no idea what medium range SAM RMAF is looking but a good rule of thumb anything with a range of 50km. The CAMM or the ER version is to me a good candidate for point defence weapon of airfield and military base.
If the Pinoy AF were wise, they should go with either of the Block variant. According to Quora, Block 70 is for GE engine and Block 72 is for P&W engine. Going for both meant having to keep different spares for the same plane.
Speaking of Pinoy AF, RIP the latest Blackhawk crash. But don’t let that detract ATM to consider spending USD 15mil a pop is really a steal for a such popular and highly flexible US mainstay chopper.
I suspect the CAMM will eventually be used by Malaysia as the Rapier/Jernas is phased out.