Akeron MP test firings demonstrate BLoS engagement capabilities
Akeron MP BLoS firing demonstration with a Sherpa vehicle. (Photo: MBDA)
Recent demonstrations of Akeron MP in Cyprus marked a ‘major step in the definition of an initial operational concept’ for a European BLoS capability, says MBDA.
MBDA and its partners in the LynkEUs project have successfully carried out the first test firings of the Akeron MP antitank missile (formerly known as MMP) using a full configuration of the BLoS functional chain, including the first BLoS firing of the missile from a vehicle.
The firing demonstrations in Cyprus on 28-29 September marked a ‘major step in the definition of an initial operational concept’ for a European BLoS capability, MBDA noted in a 7 October statement.
Two missiles were fired: one from an Impact turret integrated onto an Arquus Sherpa vehicle (to simulate a full standalone capability), and the other engaging a target designated by a micro-UAV via a cyber-secure link 1km from the missile launch vehicle, to simulate a collaborative engagement.
The LynkEUs consortium, comprising MBDA and 13 partners and subcontractors in five countries, was established in July 2020 to create a European BLoS network-enabled battlefield engagement capability for the Akeron MP missile.
LynkEUs is funded under the European Defence Industrial Development Programme.
John Cockerill Defense, FN Herstal, Safran and Milrem are among the other industry participants in the consortium.
MBDA now seeks to explore extended-range and extended-capacity BLoS capabilities by leading a new EU-funded programme called Modular Architecture Solutions for EU States (MARSEUS).
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges]()
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
-
![With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?]()
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.
-
![AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements]()
AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements
New developments from MARSS, MyDefence, Mountain Horse Solutions and Rafael suggest that future counter-drone protection will increasingly depend on combining advanced detection, rapid interception and integrated defensive networks.
