Missile CAMM / Sea Ceptor

The Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) originated from the Future Local Area Air Defence System (FLAADS) Technology Demonstration Programme, a joint initiative between the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence and industry. Developed as a successor to the Sea Wolf and Rapier systems, the missile is derived from the Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), utilizing common components while incorporating updated electronics and an active radar seeker. Development focused on soft vertical launch technology, which was proven through trials between 2003 and 2011.

CAMM is an anti-aircraft and anti-missile system powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor. It employs an inertial guidance system with mid-course updates via a two-way data link, transitioning to active radar terminal homing. The terminal seeker uses gallium nitride solid-state power amplifier technology for all-weather operation. The missile utilizes a Soft Vertical Launch (SVL) method, where a gas generator ejects the munition from its canister before a turn-over pack orients it toward the target for motor ignition. This method enables 360-degree coverage, reduces the launch signature, and allows for deployment in wooded or urban environments. Steering is provided by four folding cruciform wings. The warhead is a high-explosive blast fragmentation type equipped with a laser proximity and impact fuze.

Variants include the standard CAMM, the CAMM-ER with an enlarged rocket motor and additional strakes for increased range, and the CAMM-MR, designed for medium-range area defense and compatibility with Mark 41 vertical launching systems. The missiles are insensitive munition compliant and designed for a maintenance-free shelf life of up to 20 years. Targeting data can be provided via battlefield data links such as Link 16, allowing the system to operate without dedicated fire-control or radar illuminator systems.

The system entered service with the Royal Navy in 2018 as Sea Ceptor and with the British Army in 2021 as Sky Sabre. It is deployed on British Type 23 frigates and is designated for future Type 26 and Type 31 frigates and Type 45 destroyers. In March 2024, the system saw its first combat use when HMS Richmond destroyed Houthi drones during the Red Sea crisis. International operators include the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Chilean Navy, and the Pakistan Navy. Poland has integrated the missile into its Mała Narew and Pilica+ systems and utilizes it for the Wicher-class frigates. Brazil has selected the system for its Tamandaré-class frigates and ground forces. Italy is adopting the CAMM-ER variant for its Army, Air Force, and Navy. Other future operators include Saudi Arabia and Sweden. The British Army deployed Sky Sabre to the Falkland Islands in 2021 and to Poland in 2022 to reinforce NATO's eastern flank following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.