Dynetics Executive Unveils Anti-Cruise Missile Solution for Army

Dynetics has revealed a launcher intended to serve as the Army’s permanent solution against cruise missiles. The system was reportedly field-tested in a live-fire event alongside solutions offered by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon Technologies.

Ronnie Chronister, senior vice president for weapons and technology and manufacturing at Dynetics, said the Enduring Shield launcher was derived from the Army’s internally developed Multi-Mission Launcher, Defense News reported.

“Our selection of that effector was based on the fact that the Army’s sense of urgency was very high in getting capability into the field,” Chronister added.

The Army spent years developing the MML as part of its Indirect Fires Protection Capability program, according to Defense News.

In 2019, the service abandoned the launcher’s development in favor of procuring a solution from the private sector. The Army currently uses Rafael’s Iron Dome air defense battery as an interim solution against cruise missiles.

According to the Chronister, Dynetics redesigned the MML to reduce the cost of production and the system’s complexity, which have reportedly been preventing the Army from achieving its intended specifications.

He said Enduring Shield satisfies the key requirement of being able to fully integrate with the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System.

IBCS is a multi-domain command and control system that the Army developed in partnership with Northrop Grumman. The system is a key piece in the modernization of the service’s air and missile defense capability, Northrop said.

Chronister said the Enduring Shield launcher can also integrate with any interceptor thanks to its modular, open-system design.