The EMADS system, not a classic «off-the-shelf system» with everything you need in a box, but rather an idea, where the launch platform with missiles is the only clear common denominator, and the rest seems to be up to the buyer to specify – and for MBDA to integrate.

The system consists of vertically fired active radar missiles, in two variants, with a range of up to 45 km. Based on the air-to-air missile ASRAAM, which with this system is fired from a road mobile platform. There is a two-way data link between the platform and the missile, which will ensure precise flight until the missile’s radar can take over, and with the possibility that the operator can interrupt the engagement en route.

EMADS is presented as a modular system with great firepower and a high rate of fire. The manufacturer says the missile is not dependent on a specific type of multifunction radar, but can be integrated with any surveillance radar and has been developed with third-party insertion in mind, we are to believe the advertising.

Furthermore, the choice of sensor(s) is apparently up to the buyer. To emphasize the flexibility of the system, MBDA leaves it up to the buyer to decide how many missiles a platform should be able to carry, but pictures from the manufacturer show platforms with 8-12 missiles.

The market will then have to show whether such an open approach hits the spot. So far, it is at least clear that the UK is buying CAMM when they are going to replace their Rapier FSC, while Italy is going for CAMM-ER to replace the SPADA and ASPIDE systems.

For the record; the maritime variant of the system MBDA calls Sea Ceptor.