WASHINGTON - BAE Systems is developing a cannon-based weapon system and a high-power microwave (HPM) system to expand air-defense options against uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and other aerial threats. The company unveiled the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS) and HPM capability demonstrator at the Association of the U.S. Army's (AUSA) annual meeting.

MDACS combines a 155-millimeter automated cannon with radar, battle-management equipment, and ammunition-handling vehicles. The system is designed to engage aerial threats with the Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP), a guided, low-drag round, and to strike ground targets with precision-guided munitions.

For ground engagements, MDACS is designed to fire BAE Systems' Scorpio-XR projectile. The company says Scorpio-XR will double the range of existing precision-guided munitions launched from 155-millimeter cannons. 

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The system's planned architecture includes a Multifunction Precision Radar (MFPR) for sensing and tracking and a Multi-Domain Battle Manager (MDBM) for fire control and command and control. It also identifies integration with the Army's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) and the use of hardware-in-the-loop testing, modeling, and simulation to evaluate subsystem performance against threats.

BAE Systems' HPM system uses directed microwave energy to disrupt or damage electronic systems on aerial threats. Unlike kinetic interceptors, it does not require a separate projectile for each engagement. However, its operating endurance and effectiveness depend on available electrical power, target characteristics, and other operational conditions.

The company says more than 99 percent of the HPM system's components are commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. BAE describes the system as a modular architecture intended to support scalable power and array configurations. 

BAE Systems is positioning the two technologies as complementary options for layered air defense, potentially reducing reliance on conventional ammunition against suitable threats.  Both remain at the demonstrator or prototype stage; operational fielding will depend on further development, testing, and government decisions.