BAE Systems has introduced its latest air defense innovation, the Tridon Mk2, designed to counter drones, aircraft, cruise missiles, and even armored vehicles. The new system was showcased at the Eurosatory 2024 defense exhibition in Paris, highlighting its advanced capabilities and strategic importance in modern warfare.
The Tridon Mk2 is built on the legacy of the Bofors 40-millimeter gun, a widely used anti-aircraft weapon during World War II. This modern iteration has been adapted to meet current defense challenges, including the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). “On today’s battlefields, tens of thousands of drones are shot down every month, and this new threat has exposed a dangerous gap in current air defense capabilities for NATO allies,” BAE Systems stated in a press release.
Equipped with day and night acquisition sensors, a fire control system, and the Bofors 40mm gun, the Tridon Mk2 boasts a strike range of up to 12 kilometers (7.4 miles). It requires a crew of three—commander, driver, and operator—to function effectively from within the truck’s cab. The system’s modular design allows for easy deployment, maintenance, and future upgrades, ensuring adaptability to evolving battlefield conditions.
“The Tridon Mk2 is the ideal solution for combat operations, where soldiers need a proven, high-precision, and reliable anti-aircraft system to keep the skies clear and protect troops and infrastructure,” said Lena Gillström, a company official. The system can engage a variety of targets, from individual drones to swarms, using a deliberate dispersion of rounds to cover a wide area.
This new air defense system is part of a broader showcase by BAE Systems at Eurosatory 2024, which includes the fourth Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) prototype. The AMPV features Oshkosh Defense’s Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS) and emphasizes modularity, being adaptable to over 30 different turret systems. This flexibility offers a versatile solution for international customers with diverse mission requirements.
Bill Sheehy, AMPV program director for BAE Systems, highlighted the capabilities of the vehicle’s common top plate, which allows rapid integration of next-generation technology onto a proven platform. This modularity is crucial for NATO allies and partners, providing them with robust and adaptable defense solutions.
Development of the Tridon Mk2 began in September 2023, with test firings in Sweden starting in February. Comprehensive testing is planned for mid-August, with customer demonstrations to follow. If testing and customer interest proceed as expected, the Tridon Mk2 could be operational by the end of the year. “We’re very close,” said Henrik Graff-Hedberg, BAE Systems’ communications director.
The unveiling of the Tridon Mk2 comes at a time when drone threats are increasing globally, particularly due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The system aims to fill a critical gap in air defense capabilities for NATO states and other countries exposed to aerial threats.
BAE Systems has also showcased other prototypes using its common top plate, including a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) and a 120mm unmanned Turreted Mortar capability. These innovations demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing versatile and future-proof defense solutions.
Expanded Coverage:
