Keep the sky clear
The aerial threat landscape is becoming broader, faster, and more complex. From drones and loitering munitions to cruise missiles and combat aircraft, military forces and critical infrastructure require reliable protection against a growing range of threats. TRIDON provides cost-effective short-range air defence capable of addressing multiple target types while delivering extensive area coverage and operational flexibility.
Filling the gap in modern air defence
TRIDON is a remotely operated 40 mm ground-based air defence system designed to complement existing air defence architectures. Bridging the gap between expensive missile-based systems and lower-capability solutions, TRIDON offers an effective and affordable air defence capability against both aerial and ground threats.
Built around the proven Bofors 40 mm gun and advanced fire-control technology, the system delivers rapid engagement, high precision, and dependable performance in demanding operational environments. Whether operating independently or as part of an integrated air defence network, TRIDON provides the flexibility required for modern battlefield operations.
Protecting critical infrastructure
Military bases, command centers, logistics hubs, ports, airports, and civilian infrastructure are increasingly exposed to airborne threats. Effective protection requires a system capable of maintaining coverage and combat effectiveness over prolonged periods of operation.
With its powerful 40 mm weapon system and programmable ammunition, TRIDON can protect significantly larger areas than many lower-calibre alternatives while maintaining a lower cost per engagement than missile-based solutions. This enables operators to defend more assets and sustain protection during extended operations.
Countering a wide range of threats
Modern air defence must address a rapidly evolving threat environment. Traditional threats such as combat aircraft and missiles now operate alongside unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions, and other low-cost aerial threats.
TRIDON is designed to engage:
- Unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
- Loitering munitions
- Cruise missiles
- Fixed-wing aircraft
- Helicopters
- Lightly armoured ground targets
- Surface threats
Its combination of precision fire control, advanced ammunition, and rapid response capability ensures effectiveness across a broad spectrum of combat scenarios.
Proven firepower for today’s battlefield
TRIDON builds upon decades of continuous development of the renowned Bofors 40 mm system, delivering a modern solution optimized for contemporary warfare.
The highly reliable multi-role gun provides:
- High precision engagement capability
- Long barrel life
- Low maintenance requirements
- Proven operational performance
- Rapid target engagement
- Effective performance against current and emerging threats
The modular architecture allows TRIDON to evolve with customer requirements and future technologies.
Advanced fire control and autonomous capability
Each TRIDON system is equipped with its own acquisition sensors and fire-control system, increasing survivability, robustness, and operational independence.
Unlike systems that rely heavily on centralized command and sensor nodes, TRIDON can continue operating effectively even in contested environments where communications or network infrastructure are degraded.
Key advantages include:
- Independent target acquisition
- Integrated fire-control system
- Reduced dependency on centralized assets
- Increased survivability
- Autonomous or networked operations
- Rapid deployment and engagement capability
3P programmable all-target ammunition
Any target. Any time.
The Bofors 3P (Pre-fragmented, Programmable, Proximity-fuzed) ammunition gives TRIDON exceptional versatility against a wide variety of threats.
Unlike traditional systems that require multiple ammunition types for different targets, the 3P round is individually programmed before firing to optimize effect for the target being engaged.
The 3P ammunition provides:
- Six programmable fuze modes
- Effectiveness against aerial, ground, and surface threats
- Proximity-fuzed engagement of small targets
- Resistance to jamming and spoofing
- High lethality against drones, missiles, and aircraft
- Simplified logistics through multi-role capability
The pre-fragmented warhead contains thousands of tungsten pellets, generating a dense and highly effective engagement pattern against a wide range of targets.
Fire. Move. Repeat.
Survivability is critical in today's operational environment.
TRIDON is designed for rapid deployment, engagement, and repositioning. After completing a mission, the system can quickly move to a new location, reducing vulnerability to enemy detection and counterfire.
This shoot-and-scoot capability enables operators to maintain combat effectiveness over extended periods with a relatively small crew footprint.
Networked or autonomous
Operational flexibility is fundamental to TRIDON.
The system can function as a fully integrated component within a layered, network-based air defence architecture or operate autonomously when mission requirements demand independent action.
This flexibility ensures capability across a broad range of operational concepts and battlefield conditions.
Scalable and modular by design
TRIDON is built around a modular architecture that supports integration with different platforms, sensors, and command-and-control solutions.
Through standard interfaces, the system can be tailored to specific customer requirements and adapted as operational needs evolve.
Benefits include:
- Platform flexibility
- Sensor flexibility
- Open integration possibilities
- Future growth potential
- Adaptability to customer-specific requirements
Availability and reliability
TRIDON is designed to be available when it matters most.
The system combines high technical reliability with a user-friendly design that simplifies operation, maintenance, and support. This reduces lifecycle costs while ensuring operational readiness throughout the system's service life.
Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) packages can be tailored to customer requirements and include training, documentation, maintenance planning, supply support, and test equipment.
Cost-effective protection for modern forces
As air threats continue to proliferate, operators require solutions that balance capability, quantity, and affordability.
TRIDON delivers a cost-effective air defence capability that complements missile systems, fills critical defence gaps, and enables larger areas and more assets to be protected at a sustainable cost.
By combining proven 40 mm performance, advanced fire control, and programmable ammunition, TRIDON provides modern forces with a flexible and resilient short-range air defence solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What threats can TRIDON engage?
TRIDON is designed to counter a broad spectrum of threats including drones, loitering munitions, cruise missiles, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and lightly armoured ground targets.
How does TRIDON complement missile-based air defence systems?
TRIDON fills the gap between high-cost missile engagements and lower-capability systems, providing affordable protection against threats that do not justify missile expenditure.
What makes the 3P ammunition unique?
The programmable 3P round can be configured in six different modes before firing, allowing a single ammunition type to effectively engage multiple target categories.
Can TRIDON operate without an external air defence network?
Yes. Each system includes its own acquisition sensors and fire-control system, enabling independent and autonomous operation when required.
Is TRIDON suitable for protection of critical infrastructure?
Yes. TRIDON is specifically designed to protect military and civilian infrastructure by providing reliable short-range air defence coverage against a wide variety of aerial threats.
How mobile is the TRIDON system?
TRIDON is designed for rapid deployment, engagement, and repositioning, allowing operators to quickly relocate and reduce vulnerability to enemy countermeasures.
Director, Communications
BAE Systems Platforms & Services