Akeron MP explained

Is Missile:	yes
Akeron MP
Type:	Anti-tank guided missile Surface-to-surface missile
Origin:	France
Launch Platform:	Tripod (man-portable) Combat vehicles Naval vessels
Manufacturer:	MBDA France
Design Date:	2010 – 2015
Production Date:	2016 – present
Service:	2018 – present
Used By:	See operators
Diameter:	140mm
Length:	1.3m (04.3feet) in tactical canister
Weight:	Missile: 15kg (33lb), launch tube included Firing post: 11kg (24lb), tripod and battery included
Vehicle Range:	150 m – 5 km^[1]
Filling:	Tandem HEAT
Yield:	Can penetrate 1,000 mm of RHA^[2] Can penetrate 2,000 mm of concrete
Engine:	solid-fuel rocket, two-phase thrust (soft launch)
Guidance:	infrared homing and television guidance
Number:	400 launch units and 3,000 missiles ordered for the French Armed Forces as of November 2023^[3] (total export numbers difficult to assess)

The Akeron MP (Akeron Moyenne Portée),^[4] formerly known as MMP (French: Missile Moyenne Portée|lit=medium-range missile) is a French fifth generation man-portable anti-tank guided missile system. Featuring a fire-and-forget capability, it also integrates command guidance in both lock-on before launch (LOBL) and lock-on after launch (LOAL) firing modes for visible targets and non-line-of-sight use respectively. The latter two modes incorporate retargeting, i.e. the ability to redirect the missile in flight towards another target such as an unexpected threat or a new and more valuable enemy asset spotted, as well as aim point selection and mission abort features.

The Akeron MP entered operational service with the French army in 2018 and was developed by MBDA France to replace the Franco-German MILAN and American FGM-148 Javelin. Designed to primarily equip infantry units, this all-weather day and night system incorporates a multi-purpose missile with anti-tank, anti-infrastructure and anti-personnel selectable modes; it has a range of up to 5 km. The missile can also be integrated on combat vehicles or naval vessels, and is notably expected to arm French armoured vehicles such as the EBRC Jaguar, Griffon MMP and Serval MMP.

A long-range, air-launched missile of the same family, the Akeron LP (Akeron Longue Portée), is also under development. It is intended to equip the upcoming French Eurocopter Tiger MkIII.

Background

The MMP programme originated in 2009 to develop a successor to MBDA's forty-year old MILAN. This was particularly in response to a French urgent operational requirement which had also led to the purchase of the US-made Javelin in 2010, rather than additional MILAN missiles; 260 Javelins were ordered because of the missile's fire-and-forget capability. MBDA's improved MILAN-ER offer was rejected because it lacked such a feature.^[5] The UK, previously a major user of the MILAN system, had also converted to Javelin.

In 2011, the requirement set by the French Army called for a multipurpose precision strike capability to equip the frontline units as well as special operation forces. The missile to be procured had to be able to destroy ground targets, fixed or moving, from light vehicles up to the latest generation MBTs, as well as personnel whether dismounted or protected behind fortifications. The firing officer had to be protected during the engagement, therefore requiring ease of operation, fire and forget guidance and a capability to fire the missile from confined spaces.^[6]

After competing against the Lockheed Martin/Raytheon Javelin and Rafael Spike, an order was placed in December 2013 by the French DGA to begin equipping the French Army with the MMP in 2017. Tests began in early 2014, with warhead tests against MBT armour and were pursued in April with launches in a test tunnel to confirm missile safety for the operating crew. MMP was displayed at Eurosatory 2014.

The first firing trial of the MMP was carried out by the DGA in its Bourges facilities on 3 February 2015, with the missile hitting a fixed target at a range of over 4,000 meters.^[7]

The development programme had been funded privately by MBDA, and scheduled to be completed by 2017. On 29 November 2017, the DGA announced the delivery of a first batch of 20 firing posts and 50 MMP missiles after a successful operational evaluation firing campaign held by the French Army.^[8] The first units will be used for training ahead of deployment in 2018. Initial plans in the 2014-2019 French Military Programming Law (LPM) were for 400 firing posts and 1,750 missiles to be delivered to the French Army's infantry and cavalry units as well as special forces of all military branches by 2025. In the following 2019-2025 LPM, the target was raised to 1,950 missiles and finally, in the 2024-2030 LPM, to around 3,000 missiles.

In addition to replacing the MILAN and the Javelin systems, the Akeron MP will also equip the EBRC Jaguar, which will succeed the HOT missile-armed VAB Mephisto in French service.

Description

The MMP was designed to overcome some of MILAN's limitations in the context of small-scale and counter-insurgency operations post-2000, rather than the Cold War tank war of the original MILAN requirement. In theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan, man-portable missile were often used against strongpoints and improvised armour within populated areas. Reducing collateral damage to nearby civilians became a major political factor in such campaigns.

Particular developments over existing missiles were for it to be safe for operators within a confined space, i.e. reduced backblast on launch, and for improved guidance that could target non-IR-emissive (cold) targets as well as AFVs with a reduced risk of collateral damage. Compared to its predecessors it contains a great deal of modern and COTS electronics, rather than the previously slow-moving development of military procurement.

The missile and its guidance system offer three different firing modes:^[9]

• Fire-and-forget
• Lock-on before launch with man-in-the-loop
• Lock-on after launch (LOAL) with man-in-the-loop for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) with third party target designation

Despite these new features, it was still to remain effective against modern AFV and MBT armour. A tandem warhead is used, making it effective against conventional, composite and reactive armour. Upon detonation, the warhead also sprays 1,500 tungsten splinters, effective against personnel out to 15m (49feet).^[1]

At commercial launch, MBDA introduced the MMP as the first land combat missile of 5th generation thanks to the following key features:^{[10] [11] [12]}

• A dual-band seeker in both IR and visible low-light video, enabling the engagement of hot and cold targets in all visibility conditions.^[9] The IR sensor is not cooled, which would restrict some performance for an anti-aircraft missile but is a major simplification for an infantry missile. In particular it avoids relying on a pressurized gas supply which would need to be replenished at depot level. Unlike some missiles, such as Stinger, with gas-cooled IR sensors or one-shot thermal batteries, MMP may be locked-on to potential targets repeatedly without consuming resources. These two sensors are mounted on a reversible axis in the dome, with the operator selecting which sensor mode to deploy before launch. In comparison with the classic side-by-side dual sensors, this arrangement provides a much wider field of view allowing the seeker to keep targets, especially fast moving ones, within the missile's field of view thereby greatly easing after launch lock-on.
• Also dual mode, the firing post of the initial infantry version features a high resolution infrared cooled sensor and a daylight TV camera. These sensors high quality support all weather reconnaissance and threat evaluation functions. A fibre optics data link links from the missile presents the seeker images back to the firing station for Man In The Loop control. This also allows a launch to be aborted without detonation, should a collateral civilian suddenly obscure the target. For direct fires, the seeker is locked on before launch thanks to an automatic correlation with the firing post images, which secures and simplifies seeker lock on especially on targets at maximum range. This firing post also features a GPS receiver, a compass and an optional laser range finder which allows full netcentricity and exchange of target coordinates through tactical datalinks for third party target designation.
• The missile integrates an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which is new in this class of light missiles, developed in MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) Technology. Together with the fiber optic data link, this IMU allows in flight targeting and re-targeting for lock on after launch (LOAL) operations and also authorizes two selectable trajectory options: low altitude with direct attack or top attack for targeting main battle tanks (MBT) through their turret, which is their weakest point.
• Weighing just over 2kg (04lb), MMP's new 115 mm caliber multipurpose warhead features a tandem charge – precursor charge positioned forward of the main rocket motor, main charge positioned behind the motor – with two selectable modes, anti-armour and anti-infrastructure. In anti-armour mode it can penetrate over 1000mm of RHA (Rolled Homogenous Armour) under ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour). In anti-infrastructure mode, it's able to breach over 2m (07feet) of armed concrete. Both modes also feature an anti-personnel capability. This warhead was designed by Saab Bofors Dynamics Switzerland (formerly RUAG Warheads) which is producing it now. Saab is the company that designed and manufactures the warhead for the NLAW.^{[13] [14]}
• Lightweight, and easily man-portable. The missile measures 1300mm in length for a 140mm caliber. The complete round weighs 15kg (33lb) including its tactical canister. The firing post weighs 11kg (24lb), including its tripod and battery. The first missiles supplied are man-portable, but vehicle mounts are in development.
• Safe firing from confined spaces, with reduced blast both behind and forward of the launcher. The missile may be launched with infantry in close proximity ahead.
• Minimizing risk of collateral damage.

The missile has a range of 4000m (13,000feet) as per the French requirement, but in May 2018 two test firings were able to hit targets at 5000m (16,000feet).^[15]

Evolution of the program

At Eurosatory 2016, MBDA also unveiled its new IMPACT turret.^[16] This 250 kg motorized turret was presented on a Dagger, a small armored vehicle produced by Renault Trucks Defense. It carries the day/night sensors of the MMP fire control, as well as two ready-to-fire missiles and a 7.62 mm machine gun and its ammunition for self-defense.

In 2017, MBDA offered its MMP to the Australian Defence Force as an integrated ATGW on both the Boxer (on the 30 mm Lance turret) and the BAE Systems AMV35 vehicles (on the 35 mm BAE Hägglunds turret) under the Australian Army's LAND 400 program. The missile is also being offered with its Infantry Firing Post for the Army's LAND 4108 program, which is seeking a replacement to the in-service Javelin ATGW.^{[17] [18] [19]}

At Eurosatory 2018, the French Army's new Jaguar reconnaissance vehicle was unveiled with a pod of two MMP integrated next to the turret.^[20] During the exhibition, MBDA and Milrem Robotics also announced the start of feasibility studies of an “anti-tank unmanned ground vehicle”. The joint project integrates the Milrem Robotics THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle with the MBDA IMPACT (Integrated MMP Precision Attack Combat Turret) system fitted with two MMP.^[21]

In August and September 2018, the French Army conducted a firing campaign in Djibouti in order to test the ability of the missile to operate in a desert environment. According to the government, nine MMP were successfully fired. Two of them were fired by the commandos from an ECUME rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB). The missiles were integrated in a stabilised and teleoperated turret, thus opening the way to a naval version of the MMP.^{[22] [23]}

In December, the Picardy Battle Group conducted an operation in the three-border region in the south-east of Mali, during which the MMP was deployed and used for the first time in a combat theatre.^[24]

In early 2019, MBDA, the DGA and the STAT organised another firing campaign in order to test the performance of the MMP in cold conditions. They performed three successful firings in Sweden with temperature reaching -30 °C.^[25]

Franco-Swedish cooperation

In July 2021, the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) signed a letter of intent with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk or FMV) to cooperate on a new anti-tank system. A bilateral framework agreement was subsequently signed in April 2023 to enable joint studies, acquisitions and further development of the Akeron MP system for the French and Swedish Armed Forces. This will see the Akeron MP selected as the "RBS 58" in Swedish service, replacing the RBS 56 BILL.^[26] Saab will be MBDA's Swedish partner for the contract. The objective is to implement a joint capability roadmap in order to develop new functionalities associated in particular with beyond line-of-sight firing, and also to prepare the missile to address the future generation of targets that will arrive on the battlefield.^[27]

Operators

Current operators

In service with the Egyptian Navy special forces.^[28] The number of firing posts and missiles procured is unknown.

400 firing posts and 1,750 Akeron MP missiles originally planned under the 2014-2019 Military Programming Law and to be delivered between 2017 and 2025. The French Army received a first batch of 50 MMP missiles and 20 firing posts in November 2017; these were intended for initiative training.^[29] The number of missiles to be ordered in total was increased to 1,950 in the 2019-2025 Military Programming Law.^{[30] [31]} The 1000th missile was delivered in November 2021.^[31] 200 additional missiles ordered in December 2022^{[32] [31]} and 1,300 more in November 2023. The final target, which initially amounted to 1,950 Akeron MP missiles under the 2019-2025 Military Programming Law, has now seemingly risen to around 3,000.^[33]

An unknown number of missile was given to the Ukrainian armed forces in 2022. ^[34]

Future operators

761 missiles ordered in 2022 to equip the Jaguar EBRC armoured fighting vehicle, with deliveries to start in 2025.^[35]

90 missiles and unknown number of firing posts ordered in 2022, with deliveries to start before 2025.^{[36] [37]}

After a letter of intent was signed in July 2021, a few units of the Akeron MP missile system were ordered for testing and evaluation. A cooperation agreement was subsequently inked between Sweden and France in April 2023, which will see the Akeron MP selected as the "RBS 58" to replace the RBS 56 BILL in Swedish service.^[38]

Potential operators

Austria is purchasing 225 additional Pandur Evo 6×6, among which, an anti-tank variant is planned. In 2022, a variant of the Pandur offered by GDELS was shown with the MBDA IMPACT (Integrated Precision Attack Combat Turret) which is equipped with the Akeron MP and a 7.62 mm machine gun.^{[39] [40]} As Austria is looking for a successor to the RBS-56 Bill 2, it is an option.

Cyprus is in talks with MBDA to buy Akeron missiles and mount them on Sherpa Light vehicles, modified as tank-destroyers. ^[41]

Memorandum of understanding signed in February 2024 between MBDA and the Greek companies Miltech and Altus to develop systems based on the Akeron MP missile. One of the projects aims at integrating the missile to Altus' Atlas 8 UAV. MBDA's ultimate goal is the adoption of the Akeron MP system by the Hellenic Army.^[42]

The system is one of those considered by the Portuguese Army to replace the current MILAN systems.^{[43] [44]}

In December 2017, Qatar reportedly opened negotiations with MBDA to acquire the Akeron MP system for up to €400 million in order to replace around 650 missiles (mostly the HOT and its older MILAN missiles).^[45]

External links

• MBDA Akeron MP page

Notes and References

1. https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/sofex/2018/05/10/mbda-pitches-new-land-combat-missile-system-to-middle-east-customers/ MBDA pitches new land combat missile system to Middle East customers
2. Web site: Medium-range missile for French Army. Jane's. 15 June 2016. Christopher. Foss. 4 November 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20160616180526/http://www.janes.com/article/61385/medium-range-missile-for-french-army-es2016d3. 16 June 2016.
3. Web site: Contact combat missiles: France is finally rearming... (in French) . 2 February 2024.
4. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-helicopter/mbda-launches-akeron-tactical-missile-series/ MBDA launches Akeron tactical missile series
5. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2017/11/30/france-receives-missiles-launchers-to-replace-milan-anti-tank-system/ France receives missiles, launchers to replace Milan anti-tank system
6. Web site: September 2011 . DICoD, Projet de loi de Finances - Budget de la Défense 2012, Paris, BEDI SIPAP . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20210703152740/https://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/139765/1386015/mindef_VF.pdf#federation=archive.wikiwix.com&tab=url . 3 July 2021 . 56 .
7. News: La DGA a procédé avec succès à son premier tir du Missile Moyenne Portée. Zone Militaire. 2018-02-14. fr-fr. https://web.archive.org/web/20180205183317/http://www.opex360.com/2015/02/12/la-dga-procede-avec-succes-son-premier-tir-du-missile-moyenne-portee/. 5 February 2018. live.
8. Web site: 2017-11-12 . The French Armed Forces Ministry takes delivery of its first MMPs . https://web.archive.org/web/20180215024949/https://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/actualite-dga/2017/english/the-french-armed-forces-ministry-takes-delivery-of-its-first-mmps . 2018-02-15.
9. Web site: MMP – Land Combat Missile System . MBDA Missile Systems .
10. News: Fifth element: MMP goes live DFNS.net Air. 2017-09-05. DFNS.net Air. 2018-02-14. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20180118010951/https://air.dfns.net/2017/09/05/fifth-element-mmp-goes-live/. 18 January 2018. live.
11. News: Le nouveau missile moyenne portée de MBDA. 2018-02-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20180118064522/https://www.industrie-techno.com/le-nouveau-missile-moyenne-portee-de-mbda-tire-et-oublie.30588. 18 January 2018. live.
12. News: MBDA met en avant la modularité du Missile Moyenne Portée. Zone Militaire. 2018-02-14. fr-fr. https://web.archive.org/web/20180215225054/http://www.opex360.com/2014/06/16/mbda-met-en-la-modularite-du-missile-moyenne-portee/. 15 February 2018. live.
13. Web site: Saab Signs Warhead Contract . 2023-03-30 . Start . en.
14. Web site: Valpolini . Paolo . 2022-11-14 . Saab further develops its knowledge in warhead technology . 2023-03-30 . EDR Magazine . en-GB.
15. http://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/mbda_mmp_missile_sets_a_new_range_record_to_5000_meters.html MBDA MMP missile sets a new range record to 5,000 meters
16. News: MBDA unveils the MMP missile integrated on four different combat platforms - MBDA. MBDA. 2018-02-14. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20180213023019/http://www.mbda-systems.com/press-releases/mbda-unveils-the-mmp-missile-integrated-on-four-different-platforms/. 13 February 2018. live.
17. Web site: Defence special report October 2017 — Land 400. Defence special report October 2017. 2018-02-14. 27 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201027144202/https://specialreports.theaustralian.com.au/882832/land400/. dead.
18. News: France takes first delivery of anti-tank guided weapon. 2017-12-04. 2018-02-14. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20180215025124/https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/strike-air-combat/1624-france-takes-first-delivery-of-anti-tank-guided-weapon. 15 February 2018. live.
19. Web site: MBDA Offers Fifth-Gen Anti-Tank Missile For Australia's LAND 400 Program. www.defenseworld.net. 2018-02-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20180215034846/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/20737/MBDA_Offers_Fifth_Gen_Anti_Tank_Missile_For_Australia_s_LAND_400_Program. 15 February 2018. live.
20. Web site: New habitat for Jaguar [ES18D1] Jane's 360]. www.janes.com. 2019-06-28.
21. Web site: MBDA and Milrem Robotics unveil the world's first anti-tank UGV fitted with two MMP. MBDA. en-US. 2019-06-28.
22. Web site: Medium Range Missile Evaluation Campaign in Djibouti. www.defense-aerospace.com. 2019-06-28.
23. Web site: MMP evaluated in high temperatures [ID18D1] Jane's 360]. www.janes.com. 2019-06-28.
24. Web site: BARKHANE: First operational deployment of the new medium-range missile. 2019-01-16. MBDA. en-US. 2019-06-28.
25. Web site: MBDA MMP anti-tank guided missile qualified for cold weather conditions. www.armyrecognition.com. 2019-06-28.
26. Web site: 2023-11-16. 2023-04-18. en-CA. Sweden Selects Akeron MP ATGM. Overt Defense.
27. Web site: France and Sweden pool resources on anti-tank and air defence . 31 January 2024.
28. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2023_global_security_army_industry/france_has_supplied_mbda_akeron_mp_anti-tank_missiles_to_egyptian_special_forces.html France has supplied MBDA Akeron MP anti-tank missiles to Egyptian Special Forces
29. Web site: Projet de loi de programmation militaire 2019-2025 une LPM de renouveau. www.defense.gouv.fr. 2018-02-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20180215024952/https://www.defense.gouv.fr/salle-de-presse/communiques-de-presse/communiques-de-florence-parly/projet-de-loi-de-programmation-militaire-2019-2025-une-lpm-de-renouveau. 15 February 2018. live.
30. Web site: Contact combat missiles: France is finally rearming... (in French) . 2 February 2024.
31. Web site: The French Ministry of Armed Forces has ordered a further 200 AKERON MP anti-tank missiles for the French Army (in French) . 12 January 2023.
32. Web site: 2023-01-15. Direction Générale de l'Armement. La DGA notifie à MBDA la commande de 200 missiles anti-char de moyenne portée. www.defense.gouv.fr. .
33. Web site: Contact combat missiles: France is finally rearming... (in French) . 2 February 2024.
34. https://www.lindependant.fr/2023/02/18/guerre-en-ukraine-pour-la-premiere-fois-la-france-reconnait-avoir-livre-des-missiles-anti-chars-akeron-aux-troupes-de-zelensky-11008021.php Guerre en Ukraine: pour la première fois, la France reconnaît avoir livré des missiles anti-chars Akeron aux troupes de Zelensky
35. Web site: Une première commande de missiles Akeron MP pour la Défense belge. Nathan. Gain. 23 August 2023.
36. Web site: Gain . Nathan . Le missile MMP au cœur de la future capacité antichar luxembourgeoise . Forces Opérations Blog . 14 January 2023.
37. Web site: La DGA notifie à MBDA la commande de 200 missiles anti-char de moyenne portée . defense.gouv.fr . 12 January 2023.
38. Web site: 2023-11-16. 2023-04-18. en-CA. Sweden Selects Akeron MP ATGM. Overt Defense.
39. Web site: admin . 2022-06-15 . General Dynamics European Land Systems Presents PANDUR 6x6 Evo With AKERON MP Missiles - MilitaryLeak.COM . 2024-02-21 . militaryleak.com . en-US.
40. Web site: McNeil . Harry . 2024-02-20 . Austria boosts defence mobility with massive Pandur EVO purchase . 2024-02-21 . Army Technology . en-US.
41. Web site: Cyprus to buy Sherpa armoured vehicles and Akeron missiles from France . in-cyprus.philenews.com . en.philenews . 24 June 2024.
42. Web site: Felstead . Peter . 2024-02-07 . MBDA uses Akeron MP projects to deepen ties with Greek defence industry - European Security & Defence . 2024-02-07 . euro-sd.com . en-US.
43. Web site: 2022-08-22 . MMP ATGM Portuguese Army . 2022-08-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220822090741/https://twitter.com/Defence360/status/1561432894547140608 . 22 August 2022 . dead.
44. Web site: Despacho n.º 11576/2022, de 30 de setembro . 2022-09-30 . dre.pt.
45. News: Après le Rafale, le Qatar intéressé par le missile MMP . 2018-02-14 . Challenges . fr.