American ABS News had an opportunity to look into the letter from the Ukrainian government’s spokesman to the U.S. Congress, where the official was asking to support further provision of Centurion C-RAM air defense systems to Ukraine.
As Ukrainian cities are being attacked by russians with iranian-provided Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, the mentioned American systems would help protect "important objects, especially crucial power plants."
Read more: Ukraine’s Intelligence Proves That Parts of Iranian Drones Were Manufactured After The Full-Scale Russian Invasion of Ukraine (Photo)
In this regard, Defense Express would like to remind what kind of system it is and what capabilities Ukraine is interested in.
The Centurion C-RAM is a "land-based" version of the Mark 15 Phalanx CIWS naval anti-aircraft artillery systems, which were designed to destroy anti-ship missiles. Unlike its "sea" predecessor, C-RAM can destroy not only cruise missiles, but also enemy’s drones and even unguided rockets.
The system has its own radar and optical-thermal imaging module. Such sighting equipment is capable of independently locking and tracking the target, calculating errors and the most optimal time to strike. It even has the following option: either it opens fire on its own, or it offers the operator to pull the trigger himself.
The Centurion C-RAM is equipped with a 20mm six-barrel gun with a phenomenal rate of fire of up to 4,500 rounds per minute; it essentially can cut through the target.
At first glance, the main downside of the Centurion C-RAM is the firing range of only 1.5 km. Although, judging by the experience of the Gepard "anti-aircraft tanks" serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it looks like Ukrainian soldiers are able to put any weapon system with any "questionable" characteristics to good use with maximum benefit.
For example, as suggested by Defense Express in one of our previous articles, the Centurion C-RAM can provide a potent cover for important stationery objects.
However, there is also a more concerning issue to consider. It is believed that the U.S. Army has a fairly large number of Centurion C-RAM systems, especially after the withdrawal of its American troops from Afghanistan. But there is no way to check whether it is true, yet. If we look into the Military Balance 2021 reference book, it does not reveal the number of systems of this type in service with the American military.
Read more: Western NASAMS and Aspide Air Defense Systems Arrive at Ukraine
