MBDA demos MMP in France
MBDA has showcased the full range of capabilities of its fifth generation Missile Moyenne Portée (MMP) ground combat missile during a live firing demonstration at France’s Canjuers base.
The demonstration was attended by members of 15 foreign delegations, as well as representatives of the European Defence Agency and NATO, the French Army and the Direction Générale de l’Armement.
The demonstration took place in two phases: a dynamic phase, in which representatives watched three firings conducted by the French Army Technical Section; and a static phase, based on presentations and workshops making use of standard operational equipment for simulations, training and support.
The three firings showcased the missile’s various operating modes in different scenarios, against both fixed and mobile targets at ranges of 2.5km to over 4km. The demonstration, which included firings with the seeker locking on to the target both before and after launch, and using both infrared and TV guidance, also highlighted the MMP’s ‘fire and forget’ and ‘operator in the loop’ capabilities.
The system’s ability to engage targets beyond direct line of sight by means of a network-centric enabled tablet computer, or via images relayed by micro-UAS, was also demonstrated.
Different configurations of the MMP were also showcased: a standard firing post fixed on an Arquus Sherpa Special Forces light combat vehicle; a remote-controlled turret mounted on an Arquus Sherpa armoured vehicle; and a T40 gun turret mounted on a Nexter VBCI infantry fighting vehicle.
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