Successful Launch: Sabre Special Forces Vehicle Unleashes First Medium-Range Missile Test
MBDA has successfully executed the inaugural launch of an MMP missile from an ARQUUS Sabre special operations vehicle, as part of a comprehensive firing campaign conducted with assistance from the French Army and the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA – French Procurement Agency).
The launch took place at the Canjuers military facility in southern France, utilizing a ‘lock-on-before-launch’ mode against a tank positioned 3,500 meters away, with an immediate transition to ‘fire-and-forget’ mode, enabling the vehicle to remain fully agile post-launch.
Once again, the MMP system exhibited remarkable precision in target acquisition and superior guidance capabilities by achieving a direct hit with no operator intervention necessary.
Alongside this launch, numerous engagements were simulated on-site against both stationary and mobile targets, with the vehicle maneuvering across the test area, thereby achieving another significant milestone in the validation of ergonomic, tactical, and safety assessments.
During the debriefing, the French Army’s gunner expressed great enthusiasm: “The launching installation is secure, its design facilitates straightforward aiming, and the missile was fired without any discomfort to the operator, and as quietly as ever.”
The MMP – recognized as the first fifth-generation missile to be utilized in combat – has been operational with the French Army for two years. Adaptable and multipurpose, it has proven itself in multiple environments across the globe (desert, tropical, mountainous, and Arctic regions). This asset is invaluable for Special Forces conducting long-range operations, allowing for ammunition resupply via airdrop.
With a substantial presence in five European nations and in the USA, in 2018 MBDA reported revenues of 3.2 billion euros with an order backlog of 17.4 billion euros. Serving more than 90 military customers globally, MBDA holds a leading position in missile and missile systems development. Collectively, the group offers an array of 45 operational missile systems and countermeasure solutions, with over 15 additional products currently under development. MBDA is co-owned by Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%), and Leonardo (25%).
