In Sweden, the Defence Material Administration (Försvarsmaterielverk, FMV) has extended a previously signed contract with MBDA for the supply of Common Anti-air Modular Missiles (CAMM) for the Visby-class corvettes. This marks another important step in reinforcing Sweden’s air defense capabilities.
In 2023, FMV had signed an initial contract with MBDA for the supply of CAMM air defense missiles and the Sea Ceptor onboard air defense missile system to the Visby-class corvettes.
This is one of the main short-range air defense missile systems deployed on ships worldwide, promising an extended range for ship air defense compared to the weaponry currently available on these vessels.
The installation of the Sea Ceptor system will coincide with the mid-term modification of the Visby corvette and will be carried out at Saab in Karlskrona in the coming years, with the start planned for 2026.
Sea Ceptor
The MBDA’s Sea Ceptor is a last-generation naval air defense system, providing solid local air defense against simultaneous attacks, including saturation attacks, across the entire 360° threat axis.
With a wide array of targets, from supersonic anti-ship missiles to attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, the system is designed to counter complex threats.
The Sea Ceptor is a short-range anti-aircraft missile system with a range of up to 25 km, adaptable for all weather conditions and capable of dealing with multiple threats.
Features of the CAMM
The Sea Ceptor’s munition, the CAMM missile, is equipped with a search sensor for the final engagement phase. After the cold (soft launch), the missile is guided to the target by the secure radio frequency (RF) data transmission from the ship to the missile and vice versa. It does not require a dedicated fire control radar, as the weapon receives information from the ship’s primary sensor.
The CAMM missile weighs slightly less than 100 kg, has a length of 3.2 meters, and a diameter of 166 mm; the speed is supersonic and the operational range is up to 25 kilometers.
The CAMM offers several launch options. Compatible with the American VLS Mk 41, the CAMM can be quad-packed in each cell of Stike or Tactical launchers. If space is limited or for smaller vessels, the CAMM quad-packed can be installed in the compact Extensible Launcher System (ExLS), part of the Mk 41 family.
Source Försvarsmaterielverk (FMV) and photo credit @MBDA/Royal Navy
