“Trailblazers in Armored Innovation: MMP’s Inaugural Launch from Jaguar Vehicle”

MBDA and Nexter took part in the inaugural lock-on firing of an MMP medium-range missile from a Jaguar armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle (EBRC).

The French defense procurement authority (DGA) executed the firing at their Land Techniques Test Centre as part of the JAGUAR validation process. Fired from the retractable pod mounted on the Jaguar’s turret in a duo-missile configuration, the MMP successfully struck its mark.

The assimilation of MMP onto the JAGUAR is being conducted in phases during the qualification process. This firing represents the initial phase, successfully validating the capability to engage a stationary target. The system is designed to neutralize both static and mobile fortified land targets, including modern tanks. Targeting can be performed directly or beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS). It will also be accurate and with minimal collateral damage, attributes that define the MMP.

MMP’s functionalities – incorporated into the Jaguar’s turret by Nexter, complemented by the remote-controlled weapon station from Arquus, the Scorpion common vetronics solution from Thales, and the 40mm cannon developed by CTAI – bestow the Jaguar with a crucial role in cooperative warfare.

During this showcase, the Optrolead PASEO battlefield surveillance sight interfaced with the missile system, providing real-time optronic acquisition both day and night. This enhances the Jaguar’s long-range observation and identification capabilities significantly.

Frédéric Michaud, Head of Battlefield Sector for Sales & Business Development at MBDA, commented: “This firing signifies a vital initial step in the collaboration with Nexter to advance the Jaguar turret and incorporate the MMP into a weapon system built on cutting-edge technologies. This dual-missile turret arrangement greatly enhances the vehicle’s combat capabilities.”

David Marquette, project manager for Jaguar at Nexter, praised the outstanding efforts of the program team on this pivotal system integration project: “This serves as a significant milestone, showcasing the technical expertise of our teams in crafting an operational capability unparalleled in the global landscape.”

MBDA stands as the sole European defense conglomerate capable of designing and manufacturing missiles and missile systems that fulfill the complete spectrum of current and future operational requirements for the three branches of armed forces (land, sea, and air).

With a notable presence in five European nations and in the USA, MBDA recorded revenue of €3.6 billion in 2020, supported by an order backlog of €16.6 billion. Overall, the group caters a portfolio of 45 missile systems and countermeasures that are operational and over 15 others that are presently under development.

MBDA is co-owned by Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%), and Leonardo (25%).

Nexter, part of KNDS, is the leading entity in French land defense and ranks as the third largest ammunition manufacturer in Europe. Its operations encompass the supply of systems and munitions for air and naval forces. Furthermore, Nexter offers protective systems and solutions in the security domain. The company’s international expansion strategy is thriving, with 69% of its orders in 2019 originating from export clients.

In France, Nexter is fully oriented towards achieving the goals of the Scorpion program, through the modernization of the Leclerc tank, the production of the Griffon VBMR, and Jaguar EBRC fighting vehicles in collaboration with Arquus and Thales, in addition to the development of the Serval Light VBMR.

Nexter’s product portfolio also features the VBCI and Titus® armored vehicles, the Caesar® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart munitions (BONUS), NERVA® robots, and a range of equipment, including customer support and upgrade services. The KNDS Group recorded a turnover of €2.5 billion in 2019.