MBDA’s stand at MSPO 2014 (Stand F18) focuses strongly on air defense capabilities and especially on the ASTER 30 missile, which is being displayed at the MSPO exhibition. The ASTER 30 is the munition of the SAMP/T system, which has been shortlisted by Polish authorities in the frame of its medium range air defense programme called “Wisla”. For the first time, four modules of a SAMP/T battery is deployed in Poland at MSPO (outdoor area ZF 24). For the first time also, at MSPO, MBDA is presenting its new naval deep strike weapon for submarine use, the Naval Cruise Missile (MCN).
MBDA’s VL MICA short range air defence system is also showcased in on the company’s stand at MSPO. MBDA has exploited the success and operationally proven capabilities of the in-service MICA air-to-air missile to develop the highly effective air defence systems, VL MICA. This system has been developed to provide sensitive military and civilian assets with a highly effective, rapid reaction, all-weather air defence against the widest range of threats. A VL MICA unit can ensure seamless area protection versus a wide variety of targets, including fast manoeuvring combat jets and cruise missiles. VL MICA is proposed to Poland to ensure the low layer of the Polish Shield.
Offering longer range, MBDA’s ASTER 30 missile is highly representative of MBDA’s global position in the area of air defence, naval, as well as land based. ASTER 30 is used by the SAMP/T ground based air defence system, in service in the Italian Army and the French Air Force (MAMBA). The SAMP/T land-based medium range area defence system comprises a fire control system based on a multi-function electronic scanning radar and a Vertical Ground Launcher mounted on trucks and capable of firing eight missiles in rapid sequence. The ASTER 30 missile system offers high-level tactical and strategic mobility and due to its high rate of fire is capable of countering saturating threats. Moreover, it features outstanding manoeuvrability and agility in order to achieve a direct hit on the target (“hit-to-kill”). In addition to all aerodynamic targets, including cruise missiles, SAMP/T with ASTER 30 Block 1 and B1 NT version can intercept short-range or ballistic missiles having a range of 1,500 km. The French Air Force carried out several timestest firing to intercept simulated ballistic missile attacks in front of Polish authorities. Such successes confirmed Aster 30’s status as the only European-developed missile having such a capability.
For the first time, the new Naval Cruise Missile (MCN) is displayed at MSPO. This new weapon system is proposed only on DCNS SCORPENE submarine in the frame of the ORKA competition. MCN provides a deep strike capability from submarine platforms that can be pre-positioned with full discretion in theatres for extended periods, if necessary, and impose their presence on several theatres of operations simultaneously. The strategic implications and messages communicated to a potential foe are clear during a phase of force build up or as a warning/preventative measure in the face of threatened aggression. Operations could also include protection against threat proliferation as well as force projection. Significantly, MCN will provide the ability to strike rapidly and strike first while minimising collateral damage. Submarine launch provides the option of a furtive, surprise attack thereby avoiding potential retaliation. Of course even the knowledge that a submarine armed with such a long range capability could be lurking unseen some way off the coast could have the desired psychological effect. MBDA has been contracted by the French DGA (Délégation Générale pour l’Armement) to provide the French Navy with this long-range cruise missile on submarines as well as on frigates.
With sales well over 3,500 around the world, EXOCET is a leading name in the anti-ship domain. MBDA’s stand will show how this family of surface/submarine and air-launched missiles has become indispensable to many of the world’s navies. EXOCET SM39 is proposed on SCORPENE submarines, the air launched version AM39 is available on EC 725 helicopter proposed by Airbus Helicopter under the ongoing competition.
The MARTE MK2 anti-ship missile is also displayed at MSPO. The MARTE MK2 is an air – (fixed wing, rotary wing) and ship - launched range of medium-range anti-ship missile weapon systems designed to meet operational requirements in complex littoral environments and blue water scenarios. Due to its small size, light weight and flexible configuration, the system is adaptable for a wide range of aerial platforms. MARTE MK2/S can be fitted on C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, already procured by Polish Forces.
At the end of 2013, France notified MBDA of a contract for the development and production of a truly fifth generation ground combat system known as MMP . This system will be a vital addition to MBDA’s range of battlefield systems as it will provide a worthy successor to the anti-armoured missile system HOT. Drawing on experiences gained from recent conflicts which have shown that delivering effects without collateral damage is a major operational requirement, MBDA has been developing MMP. This new missile features both “man in the loop” and “fire and forget” capabilities. The dual-band (uncooled infrared and TV channel) missile can be fired from confined spaces and against non-line of sight targets; in a networked environment it can also accept target coordinates from a third party. Suitable for a wide range of battlefield targets (from tanks to infrastructures), for dismounted infantry as well as for use from combat vehicles, MMP’s architecture and technologies position the 4km range missile well ahead of the competition.
MBDA’s VL MICA short range air defence system is also showcased in on the company’s stand at MSPO. MBDA has exploited the success and operationally proven capabilities of the in-service MICA air-to-air missile to develop the highly effective air defence systems, VL MICA. This system has been developed to provide sensitive military and civilian assets with a highly effective, rapid reaction, all-weather air defence against the widest range of threats. A VL MICA unit can ensure seamless area protection versus a wide variety of targets, including fast manoeuvring combat jets and cruise missiles. VL MICA is proposed to Poland to ensure the low layer of the Polish Shield.
Offering longer range, MBDA’s ASTER 30 missile is highly representative of MBDA’s global position in the area of air defence, naval, as well as land based. ASTER 30 is used by the SAMP/T ground based air defence system, in service in the Italian Army and the French Air Force (MAMBA). The SAMP/T land-based medium range area defence system comprises a fire control system based on a multi-function electronic scanning radar and a Vertical Ground Launcher mounted on trucks and capable of firing eight missiles in rapid sequence. The ASTER 30 missile system offers high-level tactical and strategic mobility and due to its high rate of fire is capable of countering saturating threats. Moreover, it features outstanding manoeuvrability and agility in order to achieve a direct hit on the target (“hit-to-kill”). In addition to all aerodynamic targets, including cruise missiles, SAMP/T with ASTER 30 Block 1 and B1 NT version can intercept short-range or ballistic missiles having a range of 1,500 km. The French Air Force carried out several timestest firing to intercept simulated ballistic missile attacks in front of Polish authorities. Such successes confirmed Aster 30’s status as the only European-developed missile having such a capability.
For the first time, the new Naval Cruise Missile (MCN) is displayed at MSPO. This new weapon system is proposed only on DCNS SCORPENE submarine in the frame of the ORKA competition. MCN provides a deep strike capability from submarine platforms that can be pre-positioned with full discretion in theatres for extended periods, if necessary, and impose their presence on several theatres of operations simultaneously. The strategic implications and messages communicated to a potential foe are clear during a phase of force build up or as a warning/preventative measure in the face of threatened aggression. Operations could also include protection against threat proliferation as well as force projection. Significantly, MCN will provide the ability to strike rapidly and strike first while minimising collateral damage. Submarine launch provides the option of a furtive, surprise attack thereby avoiding potential retaliation. Of course even the knowledge that a submarine armed with such a long range capability could be lurking unseen some way off the coast could have the desired psychological effect. MBDA has been contracted by the French DGA (Délégation Générale pour l’Armement) to provide the French Navy with this long-range cruise missile on submarines as well as on frigates.
With sales well over 3,500 around the world, EXOCET is a leading name in the anti-ship domain. MBDA’s stand will show how this family of surface/submarine and air-launched missiles has become indispensable to many of the world’s navies. EXOCET SM39 is proposed on SCORPENE submarines, the air launched version AM39 is available on EC 725 helicopter proposed by Airbus Helicopter under the ongoing competition.
The MARTE MK2 anti-ship missile is also displayed at MSPO. The MARTE MK2 is an air – (fixed wing, rotary wing) and ship - launched range of medium-range anti-ship missile weapon systems designed to meet operational requirements in complex littoral environments and blue water scenarios. Due to its small size, light weight and flexible configuration, the system is adaptable for a wide range of aerial platforms. MARTE MK2/S can be fitted on C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, already procured by Polish Forces.
At the end of 2013, France notified MBDA of a contract for the development and production of a truly fifth generation ground combat system known as MMP . This system will be a vital addition to MBDA’s range of battlefield systems as it will provide a worthy successor to the anti-armoured missile system HOT. Drawing on experiences gained from recent conflicts which have shown that delivering effects without collateral damage is a major operational requirement, MBDA has been developing MMP. This new missile features both “man in the loop” and “fire and forget” capabilities. The dual-band (uncooled infrared and TV channel) missile can be fired from confined spaces and against non-line of sight targets; in a networked environment it can also accept target coordinates from a third party. Suitable for a wide range of battlefield targets (from tanks to infrastructures), for dismounted infantry as well as for use from combat vehicles, MMP’s architecture and technologies position the 4km range missile well ahead of the competition.