First Firing of MBDA’s MMP Anti-tank Missile from Special Forces Vehicle

MBDA has carried out the first firing of an MMP missile from a French Army’s ARQUUS Sabre special forces vehicle, hitting a tank located 3.5 KM away.

The MMP missile was fired using a ‘lock-on-before-launch’ mode, with a rapid switchover to ‘fire-and-forget’ mode, making the vehicle fully mobile after firing. This system ensures that the firing vehicle is not tracked by enemy radars.

Carried out at the Canjuers military camp in the south of France, the firing was part of a campaign to test the missile implemented with the support of the French Army and DGA – French Procurement Agency).

The MMP system demonstrated the accuracy of its target acquisition and the quality of its guidance system by achieving a direct hit, without operator intervention.

In addition to this firing, multiple engagements were simulated on the post, against fixed or mobile targets, with the vehicle moving around the test range, thus crossing a further milestone in the validation of the ergonomic, tactical and safety studies.

During the debriefing, the French Army’s gunner was very enthusiastic: “The firing installation is safe, its ergonomics make for easy aiming, and the missile was launched without any discomfort to the gunner, and as stealthily as ever,” a MBDA statement said.

The MMP is claimed as the first fifth-generation missile to be deployed in combat. It has been in service with the French Army for two years. It has been battle-tested and deployed in various theatres around the world (desert, tropical, mountainous and Arctic areas).

Termed a valuable asset for Special Forces operating over long distances, the MMP allows for the resupply of munitions by airdrop.

The MMP can also be fired from a shoulder launcher.