France Purchase 1,300 Akeron, 329 Mistral Missiles of €300 Million From MBDA

Defense News ,France :- European defense technology company MBDA has recently been awarded a contract worth approximately €300 million ($322.8 million) to supply 1,300 Akeron medium-range anti-tank missiles and 329 Mistral 3 short-range air defense systems to France. The delivery, scheduled to commence by the end of 2025, is set to bolster the capabilities of the French Navy and Army.

Under the terms of the contract, the initial shipment will include 200 Akeron missiles. The procurement is part of a collaborative effort facilitated by a joint anti-aircraft system acquisition framework signed in June 2023 by France, Estonia, Cyprus, Hungary, and Belgium.

Akeron, a versatile "fire and forget" missile system, boasts the capability to neutralize armored vehicles, light boats, and infrastructure from distances of at least 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). Its adaptability allows configurations for vehicle mount, man-portable, and sea-launched applications, utilizing guidance and infrared homing for precise targeting.

On the other hand, Mistral 3, with a lightweight design of less than 20 kilograms (44 pounds) and a range of 8 kilometers (5 miles), is adept at intercepting various airborne threats, including helicopters, combat jets, drones, transport aircraft, and cruise missiles. Its compact size and rapid deployment make it a valuable asset for countering enemy assets.

MBDA, in collaboration with Swedish industry partner Saab, has recently expressed its commitment to enhance anti-tank and air defense capabilities through a letter of intent. The focus will be on modernizing the beyond-line-of-sight capability of the fifth-generation Akeron anti-armor missiles for contemporary warfare scenarios.

Furthermore, recent collaborations include a partnership with South Korean company KAI to integrate Mistral 3 into Seoul's upcoming Marine Attack Helicopter. Additionally, a contract with Thales has been established to supply the same missiles to Armenia, demonstrating MBDA's global presence in the defense market.

In May, the French Army successfully conducted the maiden Akeron missile test from the Tiger attack helicopter, aligning with the government's initiative to upgrade its rotorcraft fleet. This follows a previous order of 200 Akerons for the armed forces, showcasing the continued demand for MBDA's advanced missile systems.