A US Army unit, Able Battery’s 1st Platoon, is currently deployed in the mountains of Slovakia, facing technological challenges and harsh weather conditions while using the Army’s new Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense system (M-SHORAD) for the first time in active defense missions. The soldiers are part of 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, tasked with protecting bases and infrastructure from short-range air threats like cruise missiles and drones. The M-SHORAD system is seen as crucial in addressing evolving threats from adversaries like Russia and China. While there have been some challenges, the soldiers believe the system has been working effectively and view their mission as historic.

Best Coverage: https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2023-12-28/slovakia-army-air-defense-12486821.html