Project ELIAH
Project ELIAH (Eangan Líonrach na Idirghabhála Aeir forluiteacH, or Networked Overlapping Air Intercept Grid) is an integrated multi-layer air defense system employed by the military of Faneria since the early 2000s. It was originally envisioned as a copy of the Caphirian Trinity system following repeated simulations and fire exercises resulting in predictions of severe oversaturation of air-based targets by varying naval and land-based missile defenses, but has since expanded to general air defense coordination, networked fire control, and automated communications. The acronym is meant as an homage to Saint Eliah, the patron saint of rain, thunder, and lightning.
Project ELIAH breaks air defense down into several categorizations - namely short, medium, and long range versus missile defense and fire on air targets. This would normally require six weapons systems; as of 2027, the project utilized seven due to the inclusion of the ABAN laser weapon system. Each element of the system is capable of independent operation, with the intention of being able to automatically sever itself from the ELIAH network if required.
The ELIAH network has formed the basis of proposed planning to integrate missile attack systems to effectively combine all Fhainnin missile operations above the tactical level; however, such propositions were turned down in several defense papers published in 2025 and 2026.
Elements
Control and Electronic Defense System
The core element of the ELIAH network is centered around command and control computers situated aboard warships, at static positions, or onboard dedicated fire control vehicles attached to ground-based air defense assets. These computers take in data from linked search and fire control RADAR systems, as well as strategic early warning systems, and assign priority to different air threats to both give intelligence data and prevent the automated firing of numerous air defense sites against low-value targets by evaluating pre-programed value and risk assessment formulae. These targeting priorities and locks may be manually overridden or altered to reflect mission parameters, and still requires human oversight during autonomous operation, but reduces communications errors and unnecessary signal traffic between units as well as providing comprehensive intelligence data on ongoing air defense and search operations for the use of operational staff.
Short-Range Systems
Short-Range air defense is primarily managed through the Lightning missile system, which handles low-flying aircraft; generally, static emplacements and warships will use the ELIAH network to communicate air threats within range of the Lightning, while mobile units operate their SHORAD systems independently. CWIS systems, namely the CCD(E)-2002 and CCD-2011, operate in a static or warship-mounted manner and similarly use early warnings from the ELIAH system, but have their own independent tracking which is enabled during operation. The ABAN laser weapon operates identically in relation to the ELIAH system in terms of coordination.
Mid- to Long-Range Systems
The bulk of ELIAH coordination occurs at the mid- to long-range stage, with several SAM systems dedicated to missile interception, anti-aircraft duties, and ballistic interception. Currently, the ______ is the primary missile intercept and anti-air SAM system in operation, with the ______ Gallowglass battery as a dedicated missile interception asset due to its hypersonic characteristics. Ballistic interception is managed by the _____ missile, which is fired from warship or emplacement only, whereas the ______ and _____ may be stationary or transportable, though the latter takes considerable time to move positions unless carried by a warship.