US Army interested in enhanced M-SHORAD capability for ground threats

An M-SHORAD Stryker, assigned to the US Army's 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery, targets a UAS and launches a Stinger missile on 9 March 2022 near Rutja in Estonia. The service is seeking industry feedback on ammunition cartridges that will enable the weapon to target ground threats too. (US Army)

The US Army wants soldiers using the Stryker-based Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) weapon to also be able to target ground threats and is seeking information about “state-of-the art” ammunition cartridges to help make that a reality.

On 27 June the service issued a sources sought notice for a potential 30×113 mm Multi-Mode Proximity Airburst (MMPA) requirement that calls for more accurate, lethal, and reliable cartridges than the currently fielded XM1198 High Explosive Dual Purpose with Self Destruct design.

More specifically, a future MMPA would provide M-SHORAD vehicles with the ability to “rapidly transition” to defeat both ground and air target sets, instead of just the latter.

“MMPA will integrate with the XM914 weapon system utilising a United States government contact fuze setter and will require advanced proximity fuze and airframe/propulsion components to meet performance goals,” the army wrote.

The service is not yet seeking MMPA bids or hosting a competition but is considering starting a development programme in fiscal year 2024.

“The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement, if a requirement materialises,” the service added. “Multiple awards may be made.”

Interested companies have until 29 July to respond.