Missile Moyenne Portée

Missile Moyenne Portée (Medium-Range Missile/MMP) is a French man-portable anti-tank guided missile.[5][4] It was developed by MBDA Missile Systems and is intended as a replacement for their MILAN, which has been sold worldwide.[6]

Missile Moyenne Portée (MMP)
TypeAnti-tank missile
Place of originFrance
Service history
In serviceOctober 2017 – present[1]
Used bySee operators
Production history
Designed2010
ManufacturerMBDA
Produced2014–present
No. built400 launchers and 2,850 missiles to enter French Army service from 2017[2]
Specifications
Mass15 kg (33 lb) (round in launch tube)
/ 11 kg (24 lb) (tripod, firing post and battery)
Length1.3 m (4.3 ft)
Diameter140 mm (5.5 in)
WarheadTandem HEAT
Penetration >1,000 mm RHA[3]
Enginesolid-fuel rocket, two phase thrust (soft launch)
Operational
range
5,000 m
Guidance
system
infrared homing, television guidance[4]
Launch
platform
Individual, vehicle

Origins

The MMP programme originated in 2009[7] to develop a successor to MBDA's forty-year old MILAN. This was particularly in response to a French Urgent Operational Requirement of 2010 which had led to the purchase of the US-made Javelin, rather than MILAN;[2] 260 Javelins were ordered because of its fire-and-forget capability, which also led to MBDA's improved MILAN-ER offering being rejected because it lacked such a feature.[8] The UK, previously a major user of MILAN, had also converted to Javelin.

In 2011, the requirement set by the French Army called for a multipurpose precision strike capability to equip the front line units as well as special operation forces. The missile to be procured had to be able to destroy ground targets, fixed or moving, from light vehicles up to the latest generation MBTs, as well as personnel whether dismounted or protected behind fortifications. The firing officer had to be protected during the engagement thanks to ease of operation, fire and forget guidance and a capability to fire the missile from confined spaces.[9]

After competing against the Lockheed Martin/Raytheon Javelin and Rafael Spike,[8] in December 2013 an order was placed by the French DGA to equip the French Army with the MMP as of 2017.[6] Testing began in 2014, with warhead tests against MBT armour and then in April launches in a test tunnel to confirm missile safety for its launch crew.[6] MMP was displayed at Eurosatory 2014.[10]

The first firing trial of MMP was carried out by DGA in its Bourges (central France) facilities on 3 February 2015, with the missile hitting a fixed target at a range of over 4,000 meters.[11]

The development programme had been funded privately by MBDA, and scheduled to be completed by 2017.[7] On 29 November 2017, the DGA announced the delivery of a first batch of 20 firing posts and 50 MMP missiles after a successful operational evaluation firing campaign held by the French Army.[12] The first units will be used for training ahead of deployment in 2018. Initial plans are for the delivery of 400 firing posts and 1,750 missiles to French Army infantry and cavalry units and special forces of all branches by 2025, with options for further orders totaling 2,850 missiles. In addition to the MILAN and the Javelin, the MMP will also replace in the French Army the ERYX, and HOT missile mounted on the VAB Armored Fighting Vehicle as well as arm the EBRC Jaguar.[8]

Description

The MMP was designed to overcome some of MILAN's limitations in the context of small-scale and counter-insurgency operations post-2000, rather than the Cold War tank war of the original MILAN requirement. In theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan, man-portable missile were often used against strongpoints and improvised armour within populated areas. Reducing collateral damage to nearby civilians became a major political factor in such campaigns.

Particular developments over existing missiles were for it to be safe for operators within a confined space, i.e. reduced backblast on launch, and for improved guidance that could target non-IR cold targets as well as AFVs with a reduced risk of collateral damage. Compared to its predecessors it contains a great deal of modern and COTS electronics, rather than the previously slow-moving development of military procurement.

The missile and its guidance system offer three different operating modes:[4]

Despite these new features, it was still to remain effective against modern AFV and MBT armour. A tandem warhead is used, making it effective against conventional, composite and reactive armour.[10] Upon detonation, the warhead also sprays 1,500 tungsten splinters, effective against personnel out to 15 meters.[1]

At commercial launch, MBDA introduced the MMP as the first land combat missile of 5th generation thanks to the following key features:[13][14][15]

  • A dual-band seeker in both IR and visible low-light video, enabling the engagement of hot and cold targets in all visibility conditions.[4] The IR sensor is not cooled, which would restrict some performance for an anti-aircraft missile but is a major simplification for an infantry missile. In particular it avoids relying on a pressurized gas supply which would need to be replenished at depot level. Unlike some missiles, such as Stinger, with gas-cooled IR sensors or one-shot thermal batteries, MMP may be locked-on to potential targets repeatedly without consuming resources. These two sensors are mounted on a reversible axis in the dome, with the operator selecting which sensor mode to deploy before launch. In comparison with the classic side-by-side dual sensors, this arrangement provides a much wider field of view allowing the seeker to keep targets, especially fast moving ones, within the missile’s field of view thereby greatly easing after launch lock-on.·
  • Also dual mode, the firing post of the initial infantry version features a high resolution infrared cooled sensor and a daylight TV camera. These sensors high quality support all weather reconnaissance and threat evaluation functions. A fibre optics data link links from the missile presents the seeker images back to the firing station for Man In The Loop control. This also allows a launch to be aborted without detonation, should a collateral civilian suddenly obscure the target. For direct fires, the seeker is locked on before launch thanks to an automatic correlation with the firing post images, which secures and simplifies seeker lock on especially on targets at maximum range. This firing post also features a GPS receiver, a compass and an optional laser range finder which allows full netcentricity and exchange of target coordinates through tactical datalinks for third party target designation.·
  • The missile integrates an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which is new in this class of light missiles, developed in MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) Technology. Together with the fiber optics data link, this IMU allows in flight targeting and re-targeting for lock on after launch (LOAL) operations and also authorizes two selectable trajectory options: low altitude with direct attack or top attack for targeting main battle tanks (MBT) through their turret, which is their weakest point.
  • Weighing just over 2 kg, MMP's new 115 mm caliber multipurpose warhead features a tandem charge – precursor charge positioned forward of the main rocket motor, main charge positioned behind the motor – with two selectable modes, anti-armor -with the ability to penetrate over 1,000 mm of RHA (Rolled Homogenous Armour) under ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour)- and anti-infrastructure able to breach over 2 meters of armed concrete. Both modes feature an anti-personnel capability.
  • Lightweight, and easily man-portable. The missile measure 1,300 mm in length for a 140 mm caliber and the complete round weighs 15 kg including its tactical canister. The firing post weighs 11 kg, including its tripod and battery. The first missiles supplied are man-portable, but vehicle mounts are in development.
  • Safe firing from confined spaces, with reduced blast both behind and forward of the launcher. The missile may be launched with infantry in close proximity ahead.
  • Minimizing risk of collateral damage.

The missile has a range of 4 km based on a French requirement, but in May 2018 two test firings were able to hit targets at 5 km.[1][16]

Evolution of the program

At Eurosatory 2016, MBDA also unveiled its new IMPACT turret.[17] This 250 kg motorized turret was presented on a Dagger, a small armored vehicle produced by Renault Trucks Defense. It carries the day/night sensors of the MMP fire control, as well as two ready-to-fire missiles and a 7.62 mm machine gun and its ammunition for self-defense.

In 2017, MBDA offered its MMP to the Australian Defence Force as an integrated ATGW on both the Rheinmetall Boxer (on the 30 mm Lance turret) and the BAE Systems AMV35 vehicles (on the 35 mm BAE Hägglunds turret) under the Australian Army’s LAND 400 program. The missile is also being offered with its Infantry Firing Post for the Army’s LAND 4108 program, which is seeking a replacement to the in-service Javelin ATGW.[18][19][20]

At Eurosatory 2018, the French Army’s new Jaguar reconnaissance vehicle (developed by Nexter Systems, Arquus and Thales) was unveiled[21] with a pod of two MMP integrated next to the turret. During the exhibition, MBDA and Milrem Robotics also announced the start of feasibility studies of an “anti-tank unmanned ground vehicle”. The joint project integrates the Milrem Robotics THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle with the MBDA IMPACT (Integrated MMP Precision Attack Combat Turret) system fitted with two MMP.[22]

In August and September 2018, the French Army conducted a firing campaign in Djibouti in order to test the ability of the missile to operate in a desert environment. According to the government, nine MMP were successfully fired. Two of them were fired by the commandos from an ECUME rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB). The missiles were integrated in a stabilised and teleoperated turret, thus opening the way to a naval version of the MMP.[23][24]

In December, the Picardy Battle Group conducted an operation in the three-border region in the south-east of Mali, during which the new medium-range missile (Missile Moyenne Portée or MMP) MMP was deployed and used for the first time in a combat theatre.[25]

In early 2019, MBDA, the DGA and the STAT organised another firing campaign in order to test the performance of the MMP in cold conditions. They performed three successful firings in Sweden with temperature reaching -30 °C.[26]

Operators

The French Army accepted the delivery of a first batch of 50 MMP missiles and 20 firing posts in November 2017. These first items will be used to train future users. The weapon system will be deployed in operations in the course of 2018 and the delivery of 400 firing posts and 1,950 missiles across all of the French Armed Forces by 2025 is already planned.[27]

In December 2017, Qatar reportedly opened negotiations with MBDA in order to acquire MMPs for up to 400 million euros. Most of Qatar current anti-tank missiles are to be dismantled and the country is looking to renew its stocks. Doha currently possesses around 650 missile -mostly HOT and old version of the Milan- that should be destroyed.[28]

Current operators

Future Versions

In February 2017, MBDA announced the beginning of a joint venture (JV) with the Indian conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T). This JV Company will notably look to develop and supply fifth generation Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM5s), inspired by the MMP, in order to answer to a requirement of the Indian Army.[29]

See also

References
    1. MBDA pitches new land combat missile system to Middle East customers. Defense News. 10 May 2018.
    2. "MMP: France's New Portable Anti-Armor Missile". Defense Industry Daily. 24 June 2014. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
    3. Foss, Christopher (15 June 2016). "Medium-range missile for French Army". Janes. Archived from the original on 16 June 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
    4. "MMP Land Combat Missile System" (PDF). MBDA Missile Systems. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 July 2015.
    5. "MMP – Land Combat Missile System". MBDA Missile Systems. Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
    6. "MMP – Fifth Generation Land Combat Missile System" (PDF). MBDA Missile Systems. June 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 February 2015.
    7. "MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée- Medium Range Missile), France". Army Technology.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
    8. France receives missiles, launchers to replace Milan anti-tank system - Defensenews.com, 30 November 2017
    9. "DICoD, Projet de loi de Finances - Budget de la Défense 2012, Paris, BEDI SIPAP" (PDF). September 2011. p. 56.
    10. "MBDA unveil MMP 5th generation land combat missile". Combat and Survival. 12 June 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
    11. "La DGA a procédé avec succès à son premier tir du Missile Moyenne Portée". Zone Militaire (in French). Archived from the original on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
    12. [ https://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/actualite-dga/2017/english/the-french-armed-forces-ministry-takes-delivery-of-its-first-mmps
    13. "Fifth element: MMP goes live | DFNS.net Air". DFNS.net Air. 5 September 2017. Archived from the original on 18 January 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
    14. "Le nouveau missile moyenne portée de MBDA :". Archived from the original on 18 January 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
    15. "MBDA met en avant la modularité du Missile Moyenne Portée". Zone Militaire (in French). Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
    16. MBDA MMP missile sets a new range record to 5,000 meters Archived 14 June 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Army Recognition. 12 June 2018.
    17. "MBDA unveils the MMP missile integrated on four different combat platforms - MBDA". MBDA. Archived from the original on 13 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
    18. "Defence special report October 2017 — Land 400". Defence special report October 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
    19. "France takes first delivery of anti-tank guided weapon". 4 December 2017. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
    20. "MBDA Offers Fifth-Gen Anti-Tank Missile For Australia's LAND 400 Program". www.defenseworld.net. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
    21. "New habitat for Jaguar [ES18D1] | Jane's 360". www.janes.com. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
    22. "MBDA and Milrem Robotics unveil the world's first anti-tank UGV fitted with two MMP". MBDA. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
    23. "Medium Range Missile Evaluation Campaign in Djibouti". www.defense-aerospace.com. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
    24. "MMP evaluated in high temperatures [ID18D1] | Jane's 360". www.janes.com. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
    25. "BARKHANE: First operational deployment of the new medium-range missile". MBDA. 16 January 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
    26. "MBDA MMP anti-tank guided missile qualified for cold weather conditions". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
    27. "Projet de loi de programmation militaire 2019-2025 une LPM de renouveau". www.defense.gouv.fr. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
    28. "Après le Rafale, le Qatar intéressé par le missile MMP". Challenges (in French). Retrieved 14 February 2018.
    29. "Larsen & Toubro and MBDA establish Joint Venture for development of sophisticated missile systems - MBDA". MBDA. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.

    This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.