The American company BAE Systems has for the first time showcased the physical prototype of the new 155mm self-propelled artillery system, the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS), which is being developed as a low-cost air defense system to destroy drones and cruise missiles. This was reported by Defense Express, according to UNN.
Details
The new system was presented during the LANPAC 2026 conference in the USA. Released photos show the self-propelled gun being transported by a C-130 transport aircraft—one of the key requirements of the U.S. Army. The primary ammunition for the MDACS will be Hypervelocity Projectiles (HVP), which can hit targets at a range of up to 80 km.
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The system has a rate of fire of up to eight rounds per minute. Defense Express notes that the main idea of the project is to create a cheaper way to combat "Shahed"-type drones, as well as "Kalibr" and Kh-101 cruise missiles. Unlike classic SAM systems, where interceptor missiles can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, artillery shells are significantly cheaper.
The US plans to receive the first battery by 2027
The U.S. Army officially supported the MDACS project back in late 2024. It is planned that one battery will include eight self-propelled guns, four MFPR radars, and two command posts. The first prototype battery is expected to be delivered by the fourth quarter of 2027, with a full demonstration of the system's capabilities scheduled for 2028.
Defense Express recalls that back in 2020, the experimental XM1299 self-propelled gun successfully hit a cruise missile simulator with an HVP projectile. Further tests should show how effective the new air defense concept will be in real combat conditions.
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