Missile CAMM-ER

The extended-range variant of the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM-ER) was initiated in 2013 to meet the requirements of the Italian Ministry of Defence. Designed as an extended-range point and local-area defence interceptor, the system completed its first successful live-firing trial in Italy in late 2020. Production plans include the establishment of a final assembly line in Italy to support regional acquisition.

The missile features an updated rocket motor, body strakes, control fins, and a redesigned seeker radome compared to the base variant. It utilizes a Soft Vertical Launch (SVL) system, which pneumatically ejects the missile from its canister using a gas generator before a turn-over pack orients the airframe toward the target and ignites the rocket motor. This cold-launch method reduces launch signatures, minimizes the minimum intercept range, and allows 360-degree coverage without the platform stress associated with hot-launch systems.

For guidance, the missile combines a two-way data link for mid-course updates and retargeting with an active radio frequency (RF) seeker utilizing gallium nitride solid-state power amplifier technology for terminal homing. This configuration enables target tracking via third-party sensors and battlefield data links, such as Link 16, eliminating the need for dedicated radar illuminators on the host platform. The munition incorporates a laser proximity fuze and is rated as insensitive munition compliant to enhance platform survivability. It can be integrated into ground-based vehicle launchers or quad-packed into naval vertical launch systems, including the Mark 41, Mark 57, and Sylver systems via the Host Extensible Launching System.

The missile has been selected by several nations for ground and naval air defence roles. In Italy, it is slated to equip the Army's Grifo system, the Air Force's Medium Advanced Air Defence System, and the Navy's Albatross-NG system, replacing older Aspide-based platforms. Poland has selected the missile for its Narew short-range air defence system, which integrates with the United States' Integrated Battle Command System, and for its Wicher-class frigates; these agreements include provisions for licensed local production of the missiles and launchers. Pakistan operates the naval Albatros NG configuration on its Babur-class corvettes. Saudi Arabia has selected the missile to equip the Aegis Combat System on its Multi-Mission Surface Combatants, with plans for local maintenance and potential production.