“Unveiling the AKERON MBT 120: A New Era in Armored Warfare”

• Concept for a weapon-launched non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile tailored for 120mm smoothbore tank artillery
• Advancement driven by knowledge obtained from current worldwide conflicts along with projections for future requirements
• Opportunity for a budget-friendly capability at an accelerated timeline and with potential for progressive enhancement

MBDA capitalizes on the moment, at DSEI UK 2025, to introduce AKERON MBT 120, an innovative solution designed to equip main battle tanks (MBTs) with a cost-effective NLOS advanced weapon system to boost operational efficiency and survivability.

The current global landscape has underscored the demand for concentrated armor in high-intensity engagements against comparable opponents. Therefore, it is vital that platforms like MBTs are equipped to engage differently, and for innovative capabilities to facilitate their evolution in this context.

AKERON MBT 120 provides operators with a fire-and-forget solution that aligns with the specifications of existing NATO 120mm munitions. This compatibility renders it suitable for the most widely used tank artillery globally and optimizes load capacity by leveraging current ammunition storage without altering the platform’s profile.

Eric Beranger, CEO of MBDA, remarked: “It is satisfying to observe our internal innovations transition into offerings for the international market. This latest addition to our AKERON family provides our customers a route for swift development of an initial capability, progressively enhancing the efficacy of their current platforms in a groundbreaking way. It exemplifies MBDA’s ability to innovate distinctively within a rapidly evolving market landscape, in a manner that our customers will find economical and free from increased logistical challenges.”

This initiative is among MBDA’s pioneering projects, inspired by the Group’s philosophy to ‘Do Different’ and accelerated through its exclusive Innovation Awards, a program developed to recognize the talent that MBDA’s workforce contributes across all sectors of its business.

The missile employs ITAR-free, commercially accessible components to promote swift development. Paired with AI-enhanced targeting software, it can provide a highly effective solution without the requirement for third-party designation. The missile aims to enhance destructive capability, increase survivability, and reduce reliance on artillery support, all while optimizing existing MBTs for the evolving realities of next-generation armored combat.

AKERON MBT 120 boasts a 1-5km NLOS range using a passive seeker, a boost rocket motor fueled by low-smoke propellant, and an armor-penetrating warhead. It fills a unique position in MBDA’s array between soldier/infantry-portable battlefield munitions like ENFORCER and AKERON MP, and anti-tank overwatch systems such as Surface Launched BRIMSTONE.