Tag Archives: AKERON MP

Ground Forces, Missiles & Guided Weapons

CV90 firepower

MBDA’s AKERON Moyenne Portée (MP) missile has been fired from the BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 Infantry Combat Vehicle (IFV) at a test range in Northern Sweden, in the presence of representatives of the Swedish Armed Forces.

AKERON MP
MBDA and BAE Systems Hägglunds demonstrate AKERON and CV90 firepower

AKERON is a unique family of fifth-generation tactical combat missiles incorporating the latest technologies in terms of high-resolution multi-band imagers, multi-effect warheads (anti-tank, anti-infrastructure, anti-personnel), data-links, and multi-mode guidance algorithms based on AI (Artificial Intelligence) techniques. CV90 is a highly capable modern Infantry Fighting Vehicle featuring an advanced integrated combat system linked to wider battlefield management systems.

The combination of AKERON MP/LynkEUs and the CV90 combat system offers a unique capability for target engagement in complex environments (forested, urban etc.) through the combination of either immediate target locking of AKERON in Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) mode, or target acquisition in-flight in Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) mode, all this made possible by the information provided to the crew by the CV90 combat system. This ability of AKERON to engage tanks at ranges of 4 km/2.5 miles, with the option for collaborative combat through the CV90 combat system with a LynkEUs integrated micro-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) for scouting is unique.

The firing conditions for the trial were set to highlight the complementarity of the CV90 advanced combat system with the unique capability of AKERON MP/LYNKEUS, and with regards to winter combat conditions in the Nordic country; with a successful Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) in TV band.

Navy

NARWHAL

Nexter and MBDA now offer a configuration of the NARWHAL (NAval Remote Weapon, Highly Accurate, Lightweight) turret that includes two pods of AKERON Moyenne Portée (AKERON MP) missiles. This configuration allows for easy installation on any version of the NARWHAL turret, including those already in service. This kit, presented for the first time at Euronaval, consists of two AKERON MP missile pods with the associated control electronics and an operator terminal.

NARWHAL
Euronaval 2022: Nexter and MBDA present the new NARWHAL turret equipped with the AKERON MP missile system

The NARWHAL is a remotely operated 20-mm naval turret that can be integrated just as easily onto small patrol boats as onto frigates. Equipped with state-of-the-art optronics, including a day/night sight and a laser range finder, it is effective at more than 2,000 metres/6,562 feet thanks to its 20M621 gun.

The NARWHAL is already a commercial success, in service with six different navies. To meet their needs and those of future customers, our engineers are working to add new capabilities and options that enhance its operational effectiveness.

The NARWHAL turret presented on the Nexter stand is paired with a manual target designator: the Short-Range Pointer (SRP), designed by the German firm Hensoldt. With this easy-to-use tool, an onboard operator can quickly designate a target to the NARWHAL by pointing a laser beam.

The AKERON MP missile (formerly known as the Missile Moyenne Portée, MMP) has been available to French forces since 2017 and has already been selected by five countries, including three in Europe. It is the only latest-generation land combat missile in service to have been successfully engaged in operations on multiple occasions. With more than 150 test and training firings to its credit, the AKERON MP is capable of dealing with all battlefield threats in all types of environment: extreme heat and cold, urban spaces, maritime areas, and mountainous terrain. Finally, a naval capability is being implemented on the AKERON MP missile to facilitate the acquisition of small targets and signatures from naval platforms, including with a mast-mounted configuration, and provide these platforms with an enhanced self-defence capability in coastal environments against sea- or land-based asymmetric threats. AKERON MP offers both «fire-and-forget» and «man-in-the-loop» capability (for engagements where there is a risk of collateral damage).

The integration of MBDA’s anti-missile system on the NARWHAL turret means that the AKERON MP is now available on a new naval platform, as the system also comes in a dismounted version on a light firing post, as well as on a range of other platforms, such as armoured vehicles, light vehicles, ECUME semi-rigid commando boats, fast patrol boats, or larger ships for close protection needs.

Missiles & Guided Weapons, Rocket

AKERON

MBDA presents AKERON, a unique family of fifth-generation tactical combat missiles, a quantum leap from the third and fourth generation weapons currently available on the market. This family includes the MMP and MHT missiles, now renamed AKERON MP and AKERON LP respectively.

AKERON
AKERON, the new unique family of fifth-generation combat weapons

With AKERON, MBDA is now offering a family of missiles that can adapt to the needs of collaborative tactical combat.

Today’s combat units operate in a variety of complex environments. These can be urban areas, open countryside, deserts or mountains, during the day or at night; and can also feature a combination and/or variety of forces, both allied and adversary. To respond to the wide range of threats they face, operators must be equipped with a versatile and precise capability enabling them to destroy fixed or mobile land targets – including the latest-generation tanks and light combat vehicles – but also neutralize dismounted adversaries or adversaries in hardened or defensive fighting positions. All whilst minimizing the risk of collateral damage. Operators also need to be protected during engagements with simplicity of implementation, the capacity to «fire and forget» or engage a target while remaining hidden from sight.

Designed for these operational realities, the AKERON family of missiles incorporates the latest technologies in terms of high-resolution multi-band imagers, multi-effect warheads (anti-tank, anti-infrastructure, anti-personnel), data links, and multi-mode guidance algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques. All ensuring robust and precise guidance at any distance, in all conditions. Each has their own specifications in order to be perfectly adapted to the missions of the combat units and platforms using them.

Operators thus have the broadest spectrum of tactical options to deal with their targets, thanks to the many possible modes of engagement. These include ‘fire and forget’, human-in-the-loop, locking the target before firing (LOBL), or locking on after firing (LOAL), which facilitates firing beyond line of sight (BLOS).

The missiles of the AKERON family meet current and future operational needs for dismounted combat as well as from land, air (helicopter, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and even naval platforms. They are also ideal for integration into the digital environment of the battlefield, and suited for collaborative combat.