Saab receives DARPA research contract

Saab has received a contract from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to perform research for the Massive Overmatch Assault Round (MOAR) study, the company announced on 3 October.

The research will focus on the development of a precision-engagement capability for shoulder-fired weapons. It will analyse possible concepts and propose solutions and present areas where future investigations may be required.

Saab will conduct studies on its own Carl-Gustaf and AT4 shoulder-fired weapons, both of which are currently in service with the US Army.

Görgen Johansson, head of Saab dynamics business area, said that this research may be critical to improving the power of small military units.

He said: 'Today’s short-range weapons lack active guidance, while long-range weapons are extremely expensive, physically burdensome, and often require teams of operators that smaller units do not have. Saab is investigating a possible solution: a precision-guided munition for shoulder-fired weapons that provides a long-range, high-precision, multi-target capability.

‘Analysing already-established platforms allows the research to remain focused on the munition itself. Rather than developing a completely new solution, we are seeking to apply improved capabilities to existing systems – and that would translate to lower costs and faster availability.’

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