France Signs Contract with MBDA for Akeron MP and Mistral 3 Missiles Purchase

Defense News ,France :- In an announcement made on February 1, the French defence procurement agency (DGA) revealed the formalization of a contract with the European defence company MBDA for the acquisition of Akeron MP anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and Mistral 3 air defence missiles.

The contracted order encompasses a total of 1,300 Akeron MP and 329 Mistral 3 missiles. The initial delivery of 200 Akeron MP anti-tank missiles is scheduled for 2025, providing a significant boost to the capabilities of the French Armed Forces, according to the DGA.

This procurement is a result of a collaborative effort, with the order for 329 Mistral 3 air defence missiles being placed as part of a multinational letter of intent signed in June 2023 by France, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, and Hungary.

MBDA highlights the Akeron MP as the world's only combat-proven 5th generation missile in service. Operationally tested in extreme climates such as deserts and sub-arctic conditions, the missile, weighing 15 kilograms, boasts a remarkable range exceeding 4,000 meters. The system's design includes the necessary growth potential for integration into future modern land combat systems.

On the other hand, Mistral 3, the latest iteration of a long-successful lineage dating back to the early '90s, has a range of up to 8 km. As a fire-and-forget missile, Mistral 3 ensures outstanding performance, and its terminal accuracy on maneuvering targets is independent of the operator's skills, eliminating the need for intensive and permanent training. MBDA emphasizes Mistral 3's adaptability to current and future threats, making it a formidable asset in the realm of air defence.