*Athanasios Tsakalos

During the Defence and Security Exhibition EDEX 2023, MBDA presented the AKERON MP, the only 5th-generation missile system in service in the world. 

However, MBDA, moving a step further in addition to the static demonstration of the system in question, demonstrated a new generation of simulators with a variety of combat scenarios. The said simulator (watch our video at the end of the article) can be adjusted to various combat scenarios according to the customer’s requirements.

MBDA has been working for more than 20 years in the area of HardWare-In-the-Loop (HWIL) simulation. The HWIL simulation system is used for customer support and provides a comprehensive service portfolio for the complete hardware-in-the-loop system. 

The generic architecture of the system allows the testing of different seekers and the application of missile subsystems in real hardware or as software models. The closed-loop capability is provided via Ethernet, ScramNet, or VMIC interfaces according to customer requirements.

Also read: AKERON | Under the sign of European cooperation

The combat scenario

The same simulator was displayed during DEFEA 2023 in Athens last June, where we had the opportunity to have a closer look. Mr. Frederic Michaud, Head of the Battlefield Sector – Business Development of the MBDA explained in detail a combat scenario for the use of AKERON MP. 

Frederic Michaud – Head of Battlefield Sector – Business Development at MBDA

At first, Mr. Michaud presented a real-sized AKERON MP missile system configured for dismounted infantry operations. Subsequently, a wargame simulation took place in the context of the HWIL simulation system, where AKERON MP capabilities were highlighted.

Also read: MBDA – SAAB | Cooperation over AKERON MP missile system

The scenario takes place in the middle of Europe in the vicinity of a village, where the AKERON units have to prepare themselves to neutralize the enemy forces and potential reinforcements in the village surroundings. The AKERON team is divided into two units. 

The first unit is dismounted on a hill in the north part of the village and will attempt to neutralize the hostile targets inside the village. The non-line-of-sight target acquisition will be achieved by a UAV featuring Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. 

On the south part of the village, a VBCI 8Χ8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, fitted with a T40 remotely controlled turret, armed with the AKERON MP missiles, remains hidden for stealthiness during the observation phase. The VBCI is accompanied by a dismounted infantry unit.

Also read: DEFEA 2023 | Nexter presents different versions of VBCI PHILOCTETES

The first phase of the scenario starts from a south location. The observation phase is carried out by means of a high-resolution dual-mode uncooled IR/TV seeker, which is integrated in the firing post, thus providing the troops with day and night fighting capabilities. In fact, the operator can either shift from one band to the other or fuze the images to detect potential targets.

Also read: MBDA | ORCHESTRIKE collaborative missile systems demonstration at Paris Air Show 2023

Following the operational scenario, the first hostile target is detected into the village from the firing post at a distance of 4 km. The target is then successfully engaged with a high-precision strike. At this stage, the preparation of the firing phase is completely automatic, as the user points the camera of the firing post onto the target and then, the missile is activated knowing exactly which is the target.

After launching, the missile can use its own dual-mode IR/EO seeker to autonomously engage the target. In addition, the data acquired during the flight are downstreamed to the user thanks to a fiber-optic mechanism, meaning that the operator has full control of the process even after the launch and can change targets during the flight. As such, AKERON MP is considered the optimal choice for both Fire & Forget and Man-On-The-Loop modes.

Akeron MP Demonstrator

Taking into consideration that each unit is operated by two persons, all data can be shared with the Team Leader, who has his own terminal system and so, he can validate the target accordingly. This option is demonstrated during the second engagement, where an artillery system has been initially targeted, but during the flight of the missile, a second hostile target is detected and the Team Leader decides to neutralize the new target, which is considered more critical.

Also read: EURONAVAL 2022 | MBDA and NEXTER showcase AKERON MP missiles on NARWHAL turret

Afterwards, a new sequence is initiated in less than ten seconds and the original target is also engaged successfully. Following this attack, according to the operational scenario, the enemy will react by sending reinforcements (four battle tanks). 

“Lock on target” screenshot 

At this point, the VBCI leaves its original position and takes its combat position. The dismounted infantry unit fires the first missile against the first battle tank in Fire & Forget mode and then fires a second missile against the second battle tank in Man-On-The-Loop mode. The other two battle tanks are neutralized by the VBCI, which operates as a carrier of a twin AKERON MP launcher. After that, the vehicle takes its original position for observation.

Also read: MBDA | Successful firings with AKERON MP of the LynkEUs program in Cyprus – VIDEO

The simulated scenario was successfully completed with a great degree of automation. Following on, the unit in the north of the village, completely protected using the terrain as camouflage, has permission to strike the remaining targets assisted by a UAV operator that conducts scouting flights to detect potential hostile targets. All data acquired by the UAV are automatically sent to the AKERON unit, where the Team Leader validates the target, and the launcher operator fires the missile in the direction of the target, with a subsequent effect hitting the destruction of the target in a BLOS situation.

According to Mr. Michaud, this simulated scenario proves the AKERON MP system’s higher levels of agility, resilience, and adaptability to face the dynamic operational environment requirements.