Sierra Nevada Corporation has recently revealed new details about its secretive air defense system, which, in the hands of an unnamed customer, has already shot down hundreds of aerial targets. The system, known as BRAWLR (Battery Revolving Adaptive Weapons Launcher-Reconfigurable), was publicly demonstrated for the first time in late September this year, though its initial deployment took place back in 2023.
Most notably, according to Breaking Defense, the manufacturer stated that since BRAWLR's deployment roughly over the past two years the system has intercepted more than 400 aerial targets.
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This fact alone strongly suggests that Ukraine might be the secret operator of the BRAWLR system, as only Ukraine's Defense Forces could realistically have such a high number of air defense engagements within that period.
Moreover, based on data previously presented by Sierra Nevada, the BRAWLR system can employ a variety of munitions, including ground-launched versions of the air-to-air missile AA-10 Alamo (NATO designation), also known as the R-27.
Earlier this year, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported on an agreement to support Ukrainian air defense systems manufactured in the United States and in one version of the press release, Sierra Nevada was named as the primary contractor.
At the same time, the company has not disclosed which countries have received BRAWLR systems. It is only known that, as of today, 20 units have been delivered, with another 10 en route. The company also confirmed that several customers have placed orders for this air defense platform.
The BRAWLR can fairly be described as an air defense truck: depending on the configuration, its launcher can carry up to 46 high-precision APKWS laser-guided rockets at once.
Overall, the BRAWLR system is compatible with a wide range of weapon types including APKWS, R-27, AIM-9M Sidewinder, AIM-132 ASRAAM, AIM-120, and short-range IRIS-T missiles all of which are already in service with the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Evidently, customers can choose different missile configurations as needed, and possibly even reconfigure the system in the field.
The BRAWLR is mounted on the Mobile Anti-Air Weapons Launcher Reconfigurable (MAAWLR) truck platform, equipped with dual X-band radars. The company plans to unveil an upgraded version of the system next year.
Earlier, Defense Express reported on whether Ukraine could realistically receive Skyrangerair defense systems this year if the order were placed with Rheinmetall.
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