BAE Systems Tests Anti-Drone Capability on New Armored Vehicle
In a recent live fire exercise at the Big Sandy range in Kingman, Arizona, British company BAE Systems tested an anti-drone capability on their Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV). The AMPV, which was selected by the U.S. Army for various roles, including General Purpose, Mortar Carrier, and Medical Evacuation, was equipped with the External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP) top plate. This system allows for the installation of up to 30 different turrets, including the Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) turret, which comprises the Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radars (MHR) and the XM914 30 mm cannon.
During the test, the AMPV Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System was used to detect, track, identify, and defeat both drones and stationary targets using proximity rounds. The vehicle successfully completed various realistic battlefield scenarios, firing at mock enemies on the ground and drones flying overhead. Although the specifics of the test and the timeline for the AMPV’s entry into service were not disclosed, BAE Systems promises that this is just the beginning of what the AMPV is capable of.
The efforts to counter drones have become a top priority for militaries worldwide, and defense contractors like BAE Systems are continuously working on innovative solutions. The M113, a tracked armored personal carrier that has been in service since the 1960s, is being replaced by the AMPV, which offers improved capabilities. While the initial variants of the AMPV do not include anti-drone technology, BAE Systems saw the potential and tested the ExMEP top plate on a prototype. This successful test demonstrates the AMPV’s ability to effectively counter unmanned aircraft, and BAE Systems is expected to further develop and enhance this capability in the future.
