It will hunt you down.
It has fifth-gen technology, and it has AI. It can see when you can’t see. And it will make you pay, a heavy price.
Day or night, including beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) mode, with a two-way data link that sends images from the missile’s high-resolution infrared optronic seeker back to the operator.
There’s no escape from the French Tiger.
The French Minister for the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, announced that MBDA is to develop the Future Tactical Air-to-Surface Missile (MAST-F) program as the main French Army air-to-ground armament for the Tiger combat helicopter, DefPost reported.
MBDA was selected after proposing to the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) its MHT/MLP concept (Missile Haut de Trame / Missile Longue Portée – high tier missile / long-range mobile missile) that builds on the technologies of the mid-range MMP, the first 5th generation land combat missile to enter service around the world.
Its modular architecture enables easy integration onto a variety of land or air combat platforms, in addition to the Tiger, DefPost reported.
The MHT/MLP is characterized by its high operational effectiveness.
For starters, it weighs 20% less than other missiles in its category, resulting in a weight saving of nearly 100 kg for the Tiger helicopter, which can carry up to eight missiles in combat configuration, DefPost reported.
Exploiting this weight saving increases the Tiger’s fuel capacity and so its combat endurance, with a significant gain in “Playtime.”
It boasts a range of over 8 km, even when fired from a stationary platform at low altitude.
Its multi-effect warhead can handle a wide variety of targets, from modern battle tanks to hardened combat infrastructure. A kick-ass weapon, make no mistake.
As mentioned, it performs day or night, including in beyond-line-of-sight mode, with a two-way data link, DefPost reported.
The crew of the Tiger can use this imagery to choose the missile’s point of impact or to select a new target in flight, making the weapon suitable for fluid battlefield situations.
Commenting on the launch of the program, MBDA CEO Eric Béranger declared: “The MHT/MLP missile combines new technologies, developed with the support of the DGA, with the tried and tested components of the MMP, making it an effector at the forefront of today’s tactical land combat missiles.
“It offers a flexibility of use unmatched in today’s armed forces, while minimising development risks. And with its all-European design authority, the MHT/MLP programme will fully contribute to the strategic autonomy objectives set by France and the European Union.
“With nearly 350 jobs per year over the next five years and, ultimately, around 250 annual jobs in France during the first 10 years of its production, the development and production of this new missile will help maintain of the national industrial and technological base, and in particular in the Centre region,” he added.