Warrior Maven Intv. BG Rausch – Missiles & Space Weapons Developer

WARRIOR LEADERS Series — Intvs with US Military Leaders, Program Managers and Weapons Developers – Unique Detail HERE.

—WARRIOR MAVEN & Brig. Gen. RASCH

— Brigadier General Robert (Rob) Rasch is the Deputy Program Executive Officer for Missiles and Space, Program Executive Office(PEO) Missiles and Space, Redstone Arsenal, AL. He is responsible for the development, production, fielding, and life cycle management of the Army’s missile and space related systems. —*****************

Warrior Maven: What is the current Army strategy for developing new vehicle-mounted Short Range Air Defense weaponry?

BG Rasch: We are lifting our head up after coming out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and looking at near-peer type threats. This has caused us to take a look at how Short Range Air and Missile Defense has taken a huge turn – especially in Europe. Russia has brought that back to the forefront, and when we look at long-range precision fires, we are outgunned in some cases by potential threats.

Warrior Maven: What were some of the latest findings emerging from the recent SHORAD demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, where a variety of munitions were fired at drone targets? Are there some preliminary results?

BG Rasch: Regarding SHORAD, the Army is looking for an interim and long-term solution. Current funding resources have been looking for the Army to come up with an interim weapon. Right now we have Avengers, 72 of them – they fire Stingers. Regarding the recent demo, right now have data collectors out collecting data. We are hoping to have something operational within the next few years. We want to build upon and improve what we are firing today. Right now HIMARS, GMLRS, ATACMS and Patriot are used more in theater today.

​​Warrior Maven: Any particular weapons showing promise at this point, regarding SHORAD (Short Range Air Defense)?