“Introducing the AKERON MBT 120: Revolutionizing the Future of Armored Combat”

• Design for a gun-launched non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile for 120mm smooth bore tank artillery
• Innovation propelled by insights gained from existing global conflicts alongside forecasting future needs
• Chance for a cost-effective capability at an expedited rate and with potential for iterative development

MBDA seizes the opportunity, at DSEI UK 2025, to unveil AKERON MBT 120, a groundbreaking solution aimed at equipping main battle tanks (MBTs) with a budget-friendly NLOS advanced weapon capability to enhance operational effectiveness and survivability.

The present global scenario has highlighted the necessity for massed armor in high-intensity confrontations with equivalent adversaries. Hence, it is essential that platforms like MBTs are capable of engaging differently, and for innovative capabilities to facilitate their transformation in this setting.

AKERON MBT 120 presents operators with a fire-and-forget approach that aligns with the dimensions of existing NATO 120mm munitions. This compatibility makes it appropriate for the world’s most utilized tank artillery and maximizes loadout by utilizing current ammunition storage without altering the platform’s signature.

Eric Beranger, CEO of MBDA, stated: “It is gratifying to witness our internal innovations evolve into offerings for the global market. This newest member of our AKERON family equips our clients with a pathway for rapid development of an initial capability, progressively enhancing the effectiveness of their existing platforms in a novel manner. It showcases MBDA’s competency to innovate uniquely within an swiftly changing market environment, in a way that our clients will perceive as economical and devoid of increased logistical burdens.”

This concept is one of MBDA’s cutting-edge initiatives, motivated by the Group’s ethos to ‘Do Different’ and accelerated through its own internal Innovation Awards, a scheme established to honor the talent that MBDA’s personnel contribute across all facets of its enterprise.

The missile utilizes ITAR-free, commercially available components to facilitate rapid development. Coupled with AI-enhanced targeting software, it can deliver a highly efficient solution without the need for third-party designation. The missile aims to amplify lethality, boost survivability, and lessen dependency on artillery support, all while optimizing existing MBTs for the fresh realities of next-generation armored warfare.

AKERON MBT 120 offers a 1-5km NLOS range using a passive seeker, a boost rocket motor powered by low-smoke propellant, and an armor-piercing warhead. It occupies a niche in MBDA’s lineup between soldier/infantry-portable battlefield munitions like ENFORCER and AKERON MP, and anti-tank overwatch systems such as Surface Launched BRIMSTONE.