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2020-12-06

MBDA to Develop Combat Missile for Tiger Helicopter

The French Minister for the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, recently announced that MBDA will be developing the Future Tactical Air-to-Surface Missile (MAST-F) programme as the main French Army air to ground armament for the Tiger combat helicopter. MBDA was selected after proposing to the French Procurement Agency (DGA) its MHT/MLP concept (Missile Haut de Trame/Missile Longue Portée – high tier missile/long-range mobile missile) based on its MMP missile.

MMP is in service and has been operationally tested and proven in extreme climates such as the desert and subarctic conditions. It has a multi-purpose warhead with the selectable choice of anti-armour or anti-infrastructure modes. It is reportedly the first 5th generation land combat missile to enter service around the world.

Operational Effectiveness

MHT/MLP builds on the technologies of the mid-range MMP. Its modular architecture enables easy integration of the MHT/MLP onto a variety of land or air combat platforms in addition to the Tiger.

The missile is characterised by its high operational effectiveness. Weighing 20 per cent less than other missiles in its category provides a weight saving of nearly 100 kg for the Tiger helicopter, which can carry up to eight missiles in combat configuration. Exploiting this weight saving increases the Tiger’s fuel capacity and its combat endurance.

The MHT/MLP has a range of over 8 km, even when fired from a stationary platform at low altitude. Its multi-effect warhead can handle a wide variety of targets, from modern battle tanks to hardened combat infrastructure. It performs day or night, including in beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) mode, with a two-way data link that sends images from the missile’s high-resolution visible and infrared optronic seeker back to the operator. The crew of the Tiger can use this imagery to choose the missile’s point of impact or to select a new target in flight, making the weapon suitable for fluid battlefield situations.

MBDA CEO Eric Béranger said: “The MHT/MLP missile combines new technologies, developed with the support of the DGA, with the tried and tested components of the MMP, making it an effector at the forefront of today’s tactical land combat missiles. It offers a flexibility of use unmatched in today’s armed forces, while minimising development risks. And with its all-European design authority, the MHT/MLP programme will fully contribute to the strategic autonomy objectives set by France and the European Union.

“With nearly 350 jobs per year over the next five years and, ultimately, around 250 annual jobs in France during the first 10 years of its production, the development and production of this new missile will help maintain the national industrial and technological base.”

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