VL MICA MBDA naval missile

At IDEX-NAVDEX 2011 MBDA is presenting its comprehensive range of ground and naval based air defence systems capable of confronting and defeating the proliferating airborne threat extending from traditional short range dangers to the developing and longer range menace presented by a new generation of ballistic missiles.

ASTER 30 SAMP/T Medium range surface-to-air missile

In this respect, MBDA’s Aster missile family will feature in both ground (SAMP/T) and naval (SAAM and PAAMS) based air defence systems at the exhibition. Details will be available of the Aster 30 Block 1 missile which, last October, registered the first successful ballistic intercept to have ever been achieved by a European missile. This missile, which equips SAMP/T, is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles of the 600km class, the class which constitutes the main current proliferating and growing global ballistic threat. As a recognition of the ever growing importance of the Gulf countries in the Defence market, MBDA has chosen for the first time IDEX exhibition to launch a brand new addition to its range of Air Defence systems. IMCP (Improved Missile Control Post) is being revealed for the first time as a new, integrated C2 solution. Full details will be given once the exhibition opens but in essence IMCP, featuring a new state of the art radar assembly, optimises the autonomous or networked command and operation of air defence units such as Mistral or VL MICA. Based on the fire-and-forget principle, it is able to deal with up to 200 targets at ranges up to 80km. In addition, PCP (Platoon Command Post) will be seen for the first time. This easily operated new system, working in conjunction with IMCP, provides the ground based air defence commander with the best levels of performance and flexibility by optimising the dual layer command, control, coordination and information of short and medium range air defence units.

VL Mica sea to air missile defense system

Mistral and MICA are highly versatile missiles and, as such, feature in both ground and naval based systems on MBDA’s stand during the exhibition. The vertically launched VL MICA medium range air defence system has been ordered in both configurations in the Gulf having been recognised for its key abilities in countering a wide range of single or saturating threats. As part of its maritime superiority display, MBDA, with its CWSP or Combat Warfare System Package for either patrol boats or logistics vessels, will be presenting another first for an export exhibition. CWSP was first seen in October 2010 at the Euronaval Exhibition in Paris and is already drawing a lot of interest from navies around the world. This new MBDA offer is intended as a response to the growing need for securing very sensitive coastal zones and for the self defence of the support ships called upon to operate in these zones. For patrol boats, the package features the integrated combination of an air and surveillance radar, Mistral missile equipped Simbad-RC air defence turrets with Marte Mk2/N anti-ship missile launchers as well as the vessel’s guns all remotely controlled and system managed from a console within the control room. For logistics vessels, CWSP focuses on the self defence elements

MPCV (Multi-Purpose Combat Vehicle) which deploys four, ready-to-fire Mistral missiles

Also benefiting from the Mistral missile is MBDA’s highly mobile MPCV (Multi-Purpose Combat Vehicle) which deploys four, ready-to-fire Mistral missiles with four more missiles stored in the vehicle for re-loading. This automatic system has proven its outstanding capabilities during a number of test firings, most notably in June 2010 when two Mistral 2 missiles were launched against two targets approaching simultaneously from two different directions thereby demonstrating MPCV’s ability to counter a saturating attack. Moving on from the air defence requirement and in recognition of the importance that route opening has become to military operations, particularly with the proliferation of IED’s which have now become part of everyday vocabulary, MBDA will be launching yet another new defence solution at IDEX. The countermining system, Souvim 2, which is currently being delivered to the French Army in readiness for operational deployment in Afghanistan, will be shown in conjunction with the Buffalo vehicle as an enhanced capability known as Netted Route Clearance Capability. This new system of systems, jointly developed by MBDA and Force Protection of the USA, offers a highly effective system for land forces responsible for the clearing of significant stretches of route of dangers including anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines as well as IEDs. Souvim 2 and Buffalo work together in concert to detect, analyse, mark and neutralise the threat.