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The IM-SHORAD vehicle prototype was unveiled at the 2019 United States Army Association Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Washington. The air defense platform is designed to defend against a variety of low-altitude aerial threats such as rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, cruise missiles, and Groups 1, 2, and 3 unmanned aerial systems. The IM-SHORAD program's purpose is to increase tactical ground units' air defense capabilities against new threats. To provide forward-deployed units with next-generation protection, the US Army's IM-SHORAD solution will include an integrated suite of mission systems such as radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sighting system, electronic warfare package, as well as non-lethal and lethal effects such as Hellfire rockets, Stinger missiles, and a 30 mm M230LF cannon. IM-Shorad will also provide defense against artillery, rockets, and mortars, as well as regional ballistic missile threats like Patriot and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system. General Dynamics is the platform integrator for the IM-Shorad air defense vehicle, while Leonardo DRS is the mission equipment package provider for the IM-Shorad system. In February 2018, the US Army received a directed need to create an IM-SHORAD system to offer direct fire support for its Stryker and Brigade Combat Teams against aerial threats. In September 2018, the US Army secured an order for nine IM-Shorad prototypes. The first prototype was delivered to the US Army in October 2019, followed by four additional systems in March 2020. The last four systems are scheduled to arrive in November 2020. Developmental testing is presently taking place, with operational testing set to commence in September 2020.
