MFRA Radar aboard Italian frigate FREMM

In a press release, Leonardo reported that the MFRA system was used to detect, classify and track ballistic missiles. According to the manufacturer, it demonstrated exceptional accuracy in combat scenarios corresponding to a mix of conventional oversonic and ballistic risks, confirming its suitability for missile defence. In addition to acting as an early warning system against incoming threats, it further supported the neutralisation of ballistic missiles.

According to the planned scenario, the MFRA detected and tracked the fired ballistic missile and was able to calculate its expected impact point. In the next stage, this data was made available to the units of other countries involved in the maneuvers through the reserved NATO network using the "Sadoc3" CMS combat management system also produced by Leonardo.

– This information is of great importance to the international defence system because it allows the alarm to be sent to the impact zone and the choice of the most effective countermeasure. The ability to accurately determine the point of impact of the ballistic missile and kinematic data was proven during the Formidable Shield maneuvers, confirming the ability of the Italian Navy to play a leading role in international operations. – informed Leonardo in a press release.

In addition to capabilities to detect and track missiles, The MFRA presented its multitasking through its tasks in the area of objectives setting and airspace surveillance. The operation of the system also included autonomous detection of ballistic hazards near the point of impact, giving a chance to eliminate them using missile defense systems.

MFRA is the first marine multi-purpose round-the-clock radar with an active electronic scan system working in the C-band. It is produced by the Italian arms company Leonardo and gave birth to the KRONOS radar family. According to the manufacturer, more than 40 systems of this type have been sold to this day, and KRONOS radars are equipped with naval units of many countries of the world. The new Marine Military ships will also have this radar system on board.

International Marine Exercises Formidable Shield 2019 took place on 7-19 May and nine States participated in them: Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States, which led the entire operation (a total of 13 ships of more than 10 aircraft and about 3300 participants). Germany and Belgium also provided support. The main goal of the manwers was to implement exercises in the area of anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense. This event took place near Scottish islands in the Outer Hebrid archipelago.

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