Maneuver - Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD)

The Maneuver - Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) program is a vital part of the Army's Air and Missile Defense Modernization Priority. It aims to enhance air protection for maneuvering forces by countering threats from rotary-wing, fixed-wing, unmanned aircraft systems, and rockets, artillery, and mortars. This is achieved through a phased approach involving multiple increments.

Increment 1 focuses on integrating existing capabilities onto the Stryker A1 Double-V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle. This provides improved mobility and survivability against air threats.

Increment 2 introduces a directed energy capability with a 50-kilowatt laser system mounted on a Stryker Combat Vehicle. It is designed to neutralize various aerial threats, including unmanned aircraft systems and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance threats. The Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office leads the development of this prototype system, with plans to transition it to the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space for further development and testing.

Increment 3 seeks to replace the existing Stinger missile with the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI). This enhances targeting capabilities with increased lethality and range. The increment will integrate the NGSRI with the M-SHORAD Increment 1 platform and introduce new ammunition types to improve air defense capabilities. Support for prototype development, technology demonstrations, and integration efforts is planned for FY 2025.

The M-SHORAD program is structured to provide comprehensive air defense solutions adaptable to emerging threats. By leveraging advanced technologies such as directed energy weapons and next-generation interceptors, it aims to ensure that maneuver formations maintain their operational effectiveness in increasingly contested environments. Ongoing research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts are crucial for achieving these objectives while aligning with broader modernization priorities within the Army.