Rapier Field Standard C (FSC)

Quick Facts

Variants	Rapier Field Standard A Rapier Field Standard B Rapier 90
Role and Mobility	Low-Medium Altitude Air Defense; Road-Mobile
Interceptors and Range	Rapier Mk2 Missile; 8 km
Sensors	Dagger Target Acquisition and Surveillance Radar Passive Infra-Red Electro-Optic Sensor Successor Identification Friend or Foe (SIFF) Range: 15 km
Targets	Supersonic, Low-Level, High-Maneuverability Aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Supersonic Missiles, Cruise Missiles, and Fixed/Rotary-Wing Aircraft
Status/Exports	Operational; Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Zambia
Designer/Producer	MBDA Missile Systems

Overview

The Rapier Field Standard C (FSC) is a short-range, low-level air defense (LLAD) system that was developed by European-based MBDA Missile Systems. It utilizes the Rapier Mk2 missile, a supersonic and highly maneuverable surface-to-air missile (SAM, which uses a fragmentation warhead that is detonated by a proximity fuse.[i] For targeting and surveillance, Rapier uses the Dagger and Blindfire radars. Dagger operates in the J-Band, can detect 75+ threats per second, and is able to switch wavelength frequencies quickly.[ii] Blindfire operations can operate in the F-Band frequency, but can also be used as a passive infra-red electro-optic sensor.[iii] Furthermore, all FSC systems are equipped with Successor Identification Friend or Foe (SIFF) technology to determine if aircraft within the radar’s range are allied or hostile.

Strategic Implications

The FSC is particularly strategic because of its ability to intercept supersonic missiles and cruise missiles, providing the operating country with another layer in its overall air defense. Additionally, the FSC operates 24/7 in all types of weather to provide constant, if limited area air defense. It has the ability to engage two targets at once and is compact, making it suitable for worldwide operations.[iv]