<XMP><BODY></xmp> Cheap Air defence





        One of the most noticeable differences between the order of battle of US forces and those of what was then the Soviet Union was that the latter deploys a far greater range of anti-aircraft systems.
        Even when you have air superiority, experience has proven that air attack is still possible, and some form of ground anti-aircraft system necessary. In the 1973 Arab-Israeli war the Egyptians actually achieved air superiority by using Ground to Air missile systems such as the SA-6.

        Systems such as Avenger, Blazer, ADAT and SIDARM-25 are improving air defence capability, but these systems are quite expensive and we are not likely to see a couple deployed with every supply column or artillery battery.
        For this reason we need to take a page out of the Russian's book (and FM 100-60) and also develop simpler local air defence systems. This can easily be done:-

        Take an M113 or similar vehicle and replace the HMG with a one man turret. Install a 25mm cannon and equip it with sights suitable for ground to air firing. In the back of the vehicle place three two-man Stinger teams and a rack of reloads. A similar arrangement is already used with the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle (BSFV) platoon
        One vehicle can accompany each artillery battery or a platoon of them form part of infantry and armoured battalions.
        Even if the threat of air attack is low a cannon equipped M113 with half a dozen riflemen is a comforting thing to have around if there is a risk of ambush or guerilla activity.

        The M113 could also be used to tow a light ADA system such as the proposed Troubadour 25mm Gun/Stinger/FFAR system.
Ref
AIRCRAFT ENGAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR THE M2/M3 BRADLEY (25mm cannon)

Milparade article on MANPAD systems.

        This Russian article is interesting since it points out that the soldier with a man-portable SAM (MANPAD) can take a role like a ground to air sniper, concealed under a bush or in an earth scrap and unseen by his target until he fires. Once he has fired attacking him serves little immediate use since his missile is self-guiding.

        A G2mil article on the possibilities of surface to surface use of MANPAD missiles asling if the Stinger can lock onto a heat-emiting ground target and how much destructive effect the missile would have?

UPDATE
        Starstreak missiles demonstrated to be anti-MBT capable. Giving SAM squads man-portable Starstreak systems would make them even more versatile.

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Attack, Avoid, Survive: Essential Principles of Self Defence

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