A new missile being developed for the French armed forces by MBDA under an OCCAR-managed programme has successfully struck a marine target.
Joint armament procurement and life management agency OCCAR announced the Akeron projectile, produced under the French Armed Forces’ MAST-F (Missile Air-Sol Tactique Futur) programme had been launched from a ground firing installation against a seaborne target for the first time as part of an ongoing test programme.
The test took place last week at the Ile du Levant Essais de Missiles test facility belonging to French Procurement Agency the DGA near Biscarrosse in the Landes department in south-west France.
An OCCAR press statement noted: “This successful firing notably showcased the laser-guided targeting capability and datalink between missile and launcher, both extensively employed during the flight. It also confirmed overall performance of the system.
“This great achievement for the MAST-F Programme was made possible thanks to the strong mobilisation and commitment of all teams and partners involved: DGA, MBDA and OCCAR.”
The precision-guided projectile will enhance the air-to-ground capability for the French Tiger helicopter, currently undergoing a mid-life upgrade. It will also be capable of being deployed on medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
Akeron is intended to be used against a variety of fixed and mobile targets, including armoured main battle tanks, light infrastructure and small marine vessels.
It has a range more than 8km from helicopters and up to 20km from UAS with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) guidance and targeting using optical, semi-active lasers, and infra-red systems.
While the Tiger is primarily operated by the French Army Aviation, the French Navy also operates the navalized HAD Block 2 version of the Tiger Eurocopter for operations from its Mistral-class amphibious assault ships. The first delivery under the MAST-F programme is planned for 2028.
- You can read more details on the OCCAR website