Huge contract for Israel's RADA: US Army procuring dozens of IM-SHORAD vehicles

The vehicle is said to be able to deter, neutralize or destroy low-altitude aerial threats. Its radar is manufactured by the Israeli defense technology company 

Huge contract for Israel's RADA: US Army procuring dozens of IM-SHORAD vehicles

The IM-SHORAD vehicle. Photo: General Dynamics

The US Army announced last week that it has given the green light for initial production of an Interim Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) system, and awarded General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) a $1.2 billion contract to build the new vehicles. The army did not specify the number of vehicles that will be produced but said the deal will run through the end of September 2025. The IM-SHORAD's tracking systems are produced by Israeli tactical radar manufacturer RADA.. 

Janes.com reported that GDLS declined to discuss the program but Don Kotchman, the company's vice president and general manager, told Janes that GDLS is “pleased to be able to partner with the army to bring this much-needed capability to US soldiers”.

The IM-SHORAD will operate in direct support of brigade combat teams to deter, neutralize or destroy low-altitude aerial threats, including Group 3 UAS, rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. The new system, which is based on the Stryker A1 platform, includes the Leonardo DRS ground-to-air and ground-to-ground mission equipment package. Armed with Hellfire and Stinger missiles and a 30mm cannon, the new system will support the Army’s short-range air defense operational gap. The system includes kinetic and non-kinetic defeat capabilities and an on-board radar providing 360-degree air defense protection of the Stryker and armor brigade combat teams throughout the range of military operations.

The IM-SHORAD vehicle undergoing testing. Photo: US Army