MBDA Akeron LP

History

MBDA Akeron LP is a French long-range multi-role guided missile developed for precision engagements against armored vehicles and other battlefield targets. It combines multiple seeker channels with a bidirectional radio-frequency data link and is designed for networked engagements, including attacks beyond direct line of sight. Pasted text

The missile was selected by France in 2020 under the Future Tactical Air-to-Ground Missile program, known as MAST-F. OCCAR manages the program on behalf of the French defence procurement authority, with MBDA France as prime contractor, Safran responsible for the seeker and Thales responsible for the data link.

Akeron LP is being developed primarily for integration with the Tiger MkIII attack helicopter, while its architecture also supports unmanned aircraft and ground platforms. Initial missile deliveries are scheduled for 2028, with Tiger MkIII equipment planned from 2029.

Development and testing

The first documented firing of an Akeron LP prototype took place on 5 February 2025 from a ground launcher. The test verified aerodynamic behavior, guidance, booster and main-motor operation, deployment of the wings and fins, and flight to a range of 8 km.

On 19 March 2025, an instrumented Akeron LP was released from a Tiger test helicopter at Cazaux. The firing concentrated on missile behavior and safe separation from the helicopter in the disturbed airflow produced by the rotor system.

A third development firing was conducted on 24 March 2026 against a moving maritime target on a barge at a distance of 6 km. The test demonstrated semi-active laser guidance using the Safran seeker and real-time transmission of seeker imagery through the Thales data link.

France conducted the fourth development firing on 25 September 2026 at DGA Essais en Vol in Cazaux. The seeker was activated before launch and acquired the designated target in Lock-On Before Launch mode. After release from the Tiger helicopter, the missile separated safely through rotor-induced and aerodynamic disturbances and continued the engagement. The trial combined pre-launch image acquisition, helicopter separation and target engagement in a single sequence. A more demanding Lock-On After Launch and beyond-line-of-sight sequence using third-party targeting data remained a separate development objective.

Design

Akeron LP is a long-range multi-role guided missile designed for use from several types of platform. MBDA specifies a missile length of about 1.7 m in its tactical canister, a diameter of 150 mm and a weight below 40 kg. Program information gives an ammunition weight of approximately 35 kg. A twin launcher with ammunition weighs about 120 kg, while a quad launcher weighs about 200 kg. Launcher interfaces include standard 14-inch suspension lugs and MIL-STD-1760.

Guidance and data link

The missile uses a multi-channel seeker incorporating semi-active laser, television and uncooled infrared channels. Supported engagement concepts include Lock-On Before Launch and Lock-On After Launch, fire-and-forget operation and man-in-the-loop control. The operator can receive imagery during flight, update the selected target or impact point, and abort an engagement when required.

A bidirectional radio-frequency data link connects the missile with the firing platform or associated network. It can return seeker imagery while receiving commands and updated targeting information. The architecture is intended to permit third-party designation, allowing another sensor such as an unmanned aircraft to provide target information when the launching platform does not have direct line of sight. This capability is central to the planned beyond-line-of-sight role of Akeron LP.

The missile can use flat, lofted or steep diving trajectories. These options allow the flight profile to be adapted to the target, terrain and desired direction of attack.

Warhead

Akeron LP carries a tandem multipurpose warhead intended for armored and other battlefield targets. Its stated armor penetration exceeds 1,000 mm of rolled homogeneous armor. The weapon is intended to engage main battle tanks, including vehicles protected by explosive reactive armor, as well as lighter armored vehicles, structures, personnel and small surface craft.

Range

Range depends on launch conditions and platform altitude. Program planning information specifies a range of at least 12 km when launched from a Tiger helicopter and up to 20 km from a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft operating at 25,000 ft. A general launch condition from a hovering platform is associated with a range exceeding 8 km. These figures describe the capabilities being developed and qualified rather than an already operational missile.

Program status

Akeron LP remained in development in 2026. The March 2026 firing demonstrated semi-active laser terminal guidance and continuous image return through the data link, while the September firing added an integrated Lock-On Before Launch engagement from the Tiger helicopter.

The initial MAST-F package covers 500 missiles, 100 modular twin or quad launchers and 27 fire-training simulators, together with development, qualification, integration and support. The program value is stated as €566 million through 2031. Initial deliveries are scheduled for 2028.

The missile has also been associated with unmanned and remotely operated platforms. Under the MARSEUS program, Akeron LP was integrated with the Milrem Robotics Type-X unmanned ground vehicle, while an Arquus Drailer configuration was designed to carry as many as eight missiles. Unmanned aircraft including the Novadem NX70 were used to support remote targeting demonstrations.

Akeron LP has additionally been selected for the Eurodrone program, extending the planned missile architecture beyond the Tiger helicopter. Its networked guidance concept allows the launching platform and the sensor supplying target information to be separate elements of the engagement chain.

Specifications (Akeron LP)

General characteristics

• Type: Long-range multi-role guided missile
• Manufacturer: MBDA France
• Length: About 1.7 m in tactical canister
• Diameter: 150 mm
• Missile weight: Less than 40 kg; approximately 35 kg ammunition weight in program data
• Twin launcher weight: Approximately 120 kg with ammunition
• Quad launcher weight: Approximately 200 kg with ammunition
• Launcher interfaces: 14-inch suspension lugs and MIL-STD-1760

Guidance and performance

• Seeker: Semi-active laser, television and uncooled infrared channels
• Data link: Bidirectional radio-frequency link
• Engagement modes: Lock-On Before Launch, Lock-On After Launch, fire-and-forget and man-in-the-loop control
• Trajectory options: Flat, lofted and steep diving profiles
• Range from Tiger helicopter: At least 12 km in program planning data
• Range from MALE unmanned aircraft: Up to 20 km when launched from 25,000 ft

Warhead

• Type: Tandem multipurpose warhead
• Armor penetration: More than 1,000 mm rolled homogeneous armor
• Intended targets: Main battle tanks, lighter armored vehicles, structures, personnel and small surface craft

Related equipment

Akeron LP belongs to the Akeron missile family and builds on technologies developed for the shorter-range Akeron MP. The LP model extends the family toward longer-range engagements and greater use of radio-frequency networking and third-party targeting.