MBDA and Safran unveil the latest versions of the SIMBAD-RC and NGDS launchers
The new SIMBAD-RC 2 (left) and the latest version of the NGDS launcher (right). (Images: MBDA and Safran).
With navies facing the growing threats of swarms of UAVs and fast attack craft/USVs, the two French companies have been developing reloadable-at-sea systems capable of firing multiple ammunitions.
The SIMBAD-RC system, which has been sold in more than 50 units to 10 different customers, is now evolving into the next generation SIMBAD-RC 2.
Equipped with two new IR-guided Mistral 3 missiles, the new anti-air self-defence system builds on the legacy of its previous iteration while replacing a few components.
Compared to the first version, the SIMBAD-RC 2 features a new gyro-stabilised turret developed by MBDA (Rheinmetall supplied the old one) and features a MATIS SP Multipurpose cooled thermal imager from Safran. Weighing approximately 0.5t, the system has the advantage of being reloadable at sea, considering the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS]()
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
