MBDA technology advances

MBDA has fired an MMP missile from a remotely operated turret mounted on a 4x4 land-vehicle for the first time. Carried out in ‘fire and forget’ mode, the firing consisted of engaging a target representing another armoured vehicle located approximately 3,500 meters away. Ending with a direct hit on the target, the firing confirmed the precision of the aiming and ‘locking-on’ for a long-range target from the turret, as well as the quality and robustness of the guidance chain.

MBDA and Rheinmetall for highenergy laser system

Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In- Service Support ( BAAINBw) has awarded a consortium, or ARGE, consisting of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH a contract to fabricate, integrate and support testing of a laser weapon demonstrator in the maritime environment.

Novadem drone

MBDA has carried out demonstration of the operational capabilities of LYNKEUS Dismounted, comprising the MMP system in “infantry” configuration and a Novadem NX70 drone linked via radio to its weapon terminal. Carried out with support of the French Army and of the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA - French Procurement Agency) at the Canjuers military camp in France, this firing was to confirm ‘beyond Line of sight’ (BLOS) engagement.

Egypt orders VL MICA system

MBDA has been awarded a contract from the Egyptian Navy for the VL MICA NG (New Generation) air defence system to equip its corvettes. Officially launched in October 2020, the VL MICA NG system is based on integration of the MICA NG ( New Generation) missile in the existing VL MICA point and close area air defence system. “The VL MICA NG system offers improved capabilities to handle atypical targets (UAVs, small aircraft), as well as future threats characterised by increasingly low observable infrared and radio frequency signatures. Additionally, VL MICA NG will be able to intercept conventional targets (aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles) at longer distances.”

Tawazun and MBDA cooperate on SmartGlider development

Tawazun and MBDA have signed a head of terms agreement with the intent to cooperate in the field of smart guided weapon systems. The aim is to create a long-term partnership between Tawazun and MBDA, for development of the SmartGlider weapon systems from design to production phase. A joint team of engineers from both sides, the majority from Tawazun, will be in charge of development efforts, operating from MBDA’s first regional Missile Engineering Centre established in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Sea Ceptor to protect Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates

MBDA’s Sea Ceptor system will protect the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates under a contract awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence. The system will allow the Type 31 to protect simultaneously both itself and vessels near it from attack from current and future threats, including high-speed missiles, attack aircraft and fast inshore attack craft.

armoured vehicle

On 14 April, MBDA and Nexter participated in the first lock-on firing of an MMP medium- range missile from a Jaguar armoured reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC). The integration of MMP onto Jaguar is being carried out in stages during qualification. This firing is the first stage, successfully demonstrating hitting a fixed target. The system will offer the capability to destroy fixed or mobile hardened land targets, including up to the latest generation of tanks. Targeting will be direct or beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS). It will also be precise and with minimal collateral damage, qualities that characterise the MMP.

MMP’s capabilities – integrated into the Jaguar’s turret by Nexter, alongside the remote controlled weapon station developed by Arquus, the Scorpion common vetronics solution developed by Thales and the 40mm cannon developed by CTAI, gives the Jaguar a key role in collaborative combat.

First contract for the new Albatros NG system

MBDA has been awarded a first contract for Albatros NG, a brand new CAMMER based air defence system. This first order, from an undisclosed international customer, marks a further validation of the wide appeal of the CAMM air defence family on the global marketplace and paves the way to further acquisitions by the same customer and other Navies. Albatros NG is a new generation Naval Based Air Defence (NBAD) system, based on the CAMM-ER, which is the extended range variant of the Common Anti- air

Modular Missile (CAMM) family already delivered to customers around the world for both ground based and naval air defence.

MBDA to supply new Teseo Mk2/E to Italian Navy

MBDA will provide the Italian Navy with the new Teseo Evolved Weapon System, namely Teseo Mk2/E. This new generation system builds on the legacy Teseo family, known worldwide as OTOMAT, and will bring a substantial improvement in anti-ship capabilities. Teseo Mk2/E will efficiently engage both sea and land targets at very long range, with full mission control throughout the missile flight. The system will have an innovative integrated mission planning and a new RF seeker, with options for additional features and capabilities in the future.