Avenger Arrives at AFNORTH

Christopher Batastini, Air Forces Northern Logistics Directorate, hooks up the gun conveyor belt on the Avenger Air -Defense System’s .50 caliber M3P machine gun. The system arrived at the Killey Center for Homeland Operations Feb. 18. The unit is a mobile, self-propelled surface-to-air missile system that provides short-range air-defense protection for ground units or fixed base assets against such threats as cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and low-flying fixed or rotary-winged aircraft. Since Sept. 11, 2001, Avengers have been deployed to the National Capital Region for Homeland Defense under Operation NOBLE EAGLE, to provide air defense for critical government infrastructure. The system is the final addition to the static displays arrayed in front of the Killey Center that include a Civil Air Patrol Cessna; an F-16 Fighting Falcon and an F-15C Eagle.