Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) has revealed details about its new air defense system, the Battery Revolving Adaptive Weapons Launcher—Reconfigurable (BRAWLR), claiming it has already intercepted over 400 aerial threats since its deployment in 2023. However, the company has not disclosed the location of its deployment.
Versatile Launcher for Modern Threats
SNC publicly displayed BRAWLR for the first time at last week’s Air and Space Forces Association conference. The system is designed to carry up to four types of rockets and missiles simultaneously, enabling it to counter drones and cruise missiles from various platforms, including pickup trucks, trailers, and the ground.
The company claims that BRAWLR provides troops with an all-in-one defensive tool, eliminating the need to carry multiple weapon launchers from different manufacturers.
„SNC is providing a new breed of highly adaptable air defense systems,” the company said in a statement. „These systems are designed to be able to form their own integrated air defense network or to be able to merge into an existing one with additional sensors and shooters, improving the effectiveness and relevance of all elements.”
Rapid Development and Flexible Configuration
Sierra Nevada designed BRAWLR in 2023 in response to a request from a foreign military customer, according to a company spokesperson. SNC, known for integrating disparate hardware and software into customized military equipment, can build these plug-and-play missile launchers within six months.
The 7-foot-tall BRAWLR features four weapons stations capable of holding rail- or tube-launched munitions, including laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets, AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and the British-made AIM-132 Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile. In its „beast mode” configuration, the launcher can carry up to 46 APKWS rockets at once. The system also supports the AIM-120 and IRIS-T air-to-air missiles for engaging moving airborne targets. A single person can set up the launcher in 10 minutes and dismantle it in just three minutes, according to Sierra Nevada.
Mobile Anti-Air Weapon System
BRAWLR serves as the core component of the Mobile Anti-Air Weapons Launcher—Reconfigurable (MAAWLR), a diesel flatbed truck-mounted air defense system. MAAWLR requires two people and 20 minutes to set up and dismantle and includes two X-band radars, electro-optical and forward-looking infrared imaging systems, and a radio that can reconnect to new networks.
„Additional kinetic and non-kinetic defeat capabilities, interoperability with additional existing US command and control systems, and expanded system automation are expected to be demonstrated within the next year,” the company said.
Potential Deployment in Ukraine
Sierra Nevada has delivered 20 of each system, with another 10 on order, to „several” customers. While the company has declined to disclose specific acquisition details, information from Sierra Nevada and the U.S. government suggests that Ukraine could be a recipient.
SNC’s fact sheet indicates that the MAAWLR truck can fire the AA-10, a Russian- and Ukrainian-made air-to-air missile, and can be transported via the U.S. Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane or the Antonov An-124 airlifter. Ukraine already utilizes each of the munitions compatible with the launchers, and the systems are compatible with U.S. and European surveillance databases.
In July, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced a proposed $180 million deal to support Ukraine’s U.S.-made air defenses. An initial version of the release named Sierra Nevada and V2X as the primary contractors, along with two Ukrainian firms. The current version no longer specifies the involved companies. The Pentagon and Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense have not responded to inquiries regarding the systems.
Interest from the U.S. Military
Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Kevin Schneider and Air Combat Command boss Gen. Adrian Spain visited SNC’s display during the Air and Space Forces Association conference.
Sierra Nevada states that it is „engaged at all levels of government,” including the Defense Department, Department of Homeland Security, and „numerous U.S. allies and foreign partners.” The U.S. military used BRAWLR to counter drones during the Northern Edge exercise in Alaska in August, surpassing its testing goals. The system is expected to participate in additional U.S.-led experiments and exercises.
Sierra Nevada suggests that BRAWLR could also integrate into a broader military network as part of Golden Dome, a proposed missile defense shield over the U.S. homeland.
