The ASRAD-R is the most modern short-range air defense system, developed in cooperation between Rheinmetall Defence Electronics and Saab Bofors Dynamics. For flexibility and efficiency, ASRAD-R is mounted on many vehicles, such as the American M113 APC and the German Wiesel 2. Thus, it provides a modern military solution.
Originally developed for the German Army under the name LeFlaSys, exports were made to Greece and Finland under the ASRAD-R designation. The system has been designed for intercepting both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, therefore providing formidable protection of the most valued assets such as command and control centers, airfields, and troops on the move.
The Bolide missile is a laser-guided surface-to-air missile derived from the RBS 70 and utilized in the ASRAD-R system. This missile has a maximum range of 8 km and altitude coverage of up to 5,000 meters. HARD 3D search radar, developed by Saab Microwave Systems, operates in the X-band with a range of 20 km. Some of the modes on this radar include MTI for fixed-wing targets and helicopter mode, which detects and analyzes rotary-wing aircraft.
Complementing the ground-based systems, a naval variant of the ASRAD-R was unveiled in 2007. The naval variant comprises a pedestal-mounted four Bolide missiles with infrared, CCD TV, and eye-safe laser rangefinder sensors. The ASRAD-R naval variant is intended for countering high-speed cruise missiles and provides an integrated answer for any maritime environment.
The ASRAD-R system provides ease of operation and low manning because many functions are automated. It may be installed on various platforms, thus contributing to low procurement and maintenance costs. Its multi-function radar allows operation in a wide range of threat environments, therefore enhancing its strategic value.
These have been mounted on Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG 5000 vehicles of the Finnish Army and modified HMMWV vehicles for the Hellenic Army of Greece. Both customers have benefited from the flexibility and advanced capability of the system. Deliveries were completed by June 2008 in Finland and 2006 in Greece.
The Ozelot is the ASRAD-R weapon platform based on the Wiesel 2 lightweight armored tracked carrier vehicle. It carries four ready-to-fire Stinger surface-to-air missiles, but other missiles can be fitted too: Igla, Mistral, RBS 70 mk2, or Starburst. The Ozelot is air transportable in a CH-53 helicopter, enhancing even further its operational flexibility.
Target data is provided by the HARD 3D search and acquisition radar to the Ozelot weapon platform for enhancing the fire control capability of the system. Forward-fitted stabilized FLIR sensor, TV, and laser rangefinder on the Ozelot weapon platform enable precision tracking of the target and engagement. GPS, an inertial navigation system, and a north-finding gyroscope are the components that make up the navigation suite.
The ASRAD-R platoon command post vehicle, also based on a Wiesel 2, has control and display units for air picture data and command and control data. Communication links are maintained through VHF radios, ensuring seamless data and voice transmission.
In all, the ASRAD-R will be a true leap in short-range air defense technology due to its flexibility, easiness of operation, and solid protection against an unprecedented array of aerial threats. Its successful deployment in numerous countries, along with underlining its effectiveness, is bound to prove its reliability for modern military operations.