MBDA develops Mistral Atlas-RC
MBDA has developed a new short range air defence system called Mistral Atlas-RC, the company announced on 15 March.
The new system is based on a remotely controlled turret, equipped with two Mistral missiles and a latest generation thermal sight, capable of being mounted on light armoured vehicles.
Atlas-RC can be operated from within the vehicle’s cabin or remotely via a fully mobile workstation with a 360° revolving, motorised turret.
The system has been developed in response to the Spanish Ministry of Defence’s requirements to modernise its existing Mistral launchers. In this instance the system could be mounted on a light armoured vehicle such as the Spanish Army’s high mobility tactical vehicle, the URO VAMTAC ST5.
Compatible with all versions of the Mistral missile, Atlas-RC provides fire-and-forget capability, and high kill probability against fixed and rotary wing aircraft and UAVs. The system can be integrated into a coordinated fire control network and is adaptable to third party communication systems. The system can be operated by a single soldier and is air-transportable on aircraft such as the A400M and C-130.
MBDA Spain will develop, produce and support this system, along with the participation of the Spanish defence industry supply chain.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: has the time finally come for Oshkosh’s hybrid electric JLTV?]()
Eurosatory 2026: has the time finally come for Oshkosh’s hybrid electric JLTV?
Oshkosh Defense’s hybrid electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle offers the standard benefits of this type in scenarios such as silent watch and silent running as well as providing power for recharging systems. The company is arguing its 115kW power opens other roles too, particularly counter-drone.
-
![Air defence at scale: Europe’s challenge of cost, integration and sustainability]()
Air defence at scale: Europe’s challenge of cost, integration and sustainability
The evolution of aerial threats is driving renewed investment in ground-based air defence across Europe. Yet beyond capability, a more pressing challenge is emerging: how to sustain air defence at scale, as rising costs, limited stockpiles and industrial production constraints place increasing pressure on existing structures.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: new and improved vehicles and counter-drone technology foreshadowed]()
Eurosatory 2026: new and improved vehicles and counter-drone technology foreshadowed
Eurosatory is the world’s largest defence show with more than 2,000 exhibitors listed and more than 43,000 visitors expected, as the show expands to a floorspace of 185,000m². Uncrewed systems and effectors to defeat them, as well as 4x4 vehicles, are all set to be focal points at the event.
-
![The path to a safer future – why technological innovation is key to successful mine clearance]()
The path to a safer future – why technological innovation is key to successful mine clearance
Landmines continue to present a persistent and constantly evolving global threat, and advances in technology are improving how the challenges posed by minefields are managed, while reducing risks to human life. The growing capabilities of autonomous and robotic systems, coupled with advanced sensor capabilities, are now fuelling industry’s responses to this pervasive danger.
-
![The science of soldier safety: How Team Wendy Is reinventing the modern military helmet]()
The science of soldier safety: How Team Wendy Is reinventing the modern military helmet
When soldiers head into the field, the helmet on their head can mean the difference between life and death. But while helmets may look simple from the outside, the technology inside them is anything but. Few companies illustrate this better than Team Wendy, whose newest bump helmet — the RECON™ Tactical — shows just how far modern head protection has come.
