Thunder (missile)

Last updated
Thunder
Thunder missiles family.png
Thunder missiles family displayed at Dubai Airshow
Type Precision-Guided Munition
Place of originUnited Arab Emirates / South Africa
Service history
In service2021–present
Used byUnited Arab Emirates Air Force
Production history
DesignerHalcon Systems / Denel Dynamics
ManufacturerHalcon Systems
Variants See Variants

Thunder formerly known as p3 (Air-launched missile) is a family of Precision-Guided Munition guided by Global Positioning System and laser-guided pointing, manufactured by Halcon Systems a subsidiary of EDGE Group. [1]

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Variants

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The SkyKnight is an all-weather multi-target short-range air defence missile. It was developed by Halcon Systems and is the United Arab Emirates' first designed counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) missile. SkyKnight is planned to be integrated into Rheinmetall Skynex air defence system. Skynex is a fully networked system of sensors and effectors linked via a tactical communications network to provide a mostly automated layered defence against various aerial threats. Up to four 6.1 m (20 ft)-long SkyKnight missile launcher units (MLU) with 60 rounds each can be controlled in a Skynex battery. An MLU can launch up to five missiles in one second and each can simultaneously fire 20 at one time to neutralize 80 incoming targets. The missiles are capable of intercepting manned and unmanned aircraft and helicopters at 10 km (6.2 mi), precision guided munitions (PGMs) and cruise missiles at 6 km (3.7 mi), and RAM projectiles at 4 km (2.5 mi). The Skynex system combines the SkyKnight with up to four Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 35 mm revolver cannons to handle anything that penetrates through the missile defenses.

References

  1. "Halco from UAE has developed P2 Desert Sting and P3 Thunder precision-guided munitions | weapons defence industry military technology UK | analysis focus army defence military industry army". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
  2. "UAE Armed Forces buys Edge's precision-guided weapons for $880m". Arab News. 2021-11-15. Retrieved 2022-06-20.