MBDA’s VL Mica short range air defense system is also showcased. MBDA has exploited the success and operationally proven capabilities of the in-service MICA air-to-air missile to develop the highly effective air defense systems, VL MICA. This system has been developed to provide sensitive military and civilian assets with a highly effective, rapid reaction, all-weather air defense against the widest range of threats. A VL MICA unit can ensure seamless area protection versus a wide variety of targets, including fast maneuvering combat jets and cruise missiles. VL MICA is proposed to Poland to ensure the low layer of the Polish Shield.
Offering longer range, MBDA’s Aster 30 missile is highly representative of MBDA’s leading global position in the area of air defence, naval as well as land based. Aster 30 is used by the SAMP/T ground based air defence system, in service in the Italian Army and the French Air Force (MAMBA). The SAMP/T land-based medium range area defense system comprises a fire control system based on a multi-function electronic scanning radar and a Vertical Ground Launcher mounted on trucks and capable of firing eight missiles in rapid sequence. The Aster 30 missile system offers high-level tactical and strategic mobility and due to its high rate of fire is capable of countering saturating threats. Moreover, it features outstanding maneuverability and agility in order to achieve a direct hit on the target (“hit-to-kill”). In addition to all aerodynamic targets, including cruise missiles, SAMP/T with Aster 30 Block 1 and B1 NT version can intercept short-range or ballistic missiles having a range of 1500 km. The French Air Force carried out several times test firing to intercept simulated ballistic missile attacks in front of Polish authorities. Such successes confirmed Aster 30’s status as the only European-developed missile having such a capability.
For the first time, the new Naval Cruise Missile (MCN) is displayed at MSPO. This new weapon system is proposed only on DCNS Scorpène submarine in the frame of the ORKA competition. MCN provides a deep strike capability from submarine platforms that can be pre-positioned with full discretion in theatres for extended periods, if necessary, and impose their presence on several theatres of operations simultaneously.
With sales well over 3,500 worldwide, Exocet is a leading name in the anti-ship domain. Exocet SM39 is proposed on Scorpène submarines, the air launched version AM39 is available on EC 725 helicopter proposed by Airbus Helicopter under the ongoing competition.
The Marte MK2 anti-ship missile is also displayed at MSPO. The Marte MK2 is an air – (fixed wing, rotary wing) and ship - launched range of medium-range anti-ship missile weapon systems designed to meet operational requirements in complex littoral environments and blue water scenarios. Due to its small size, light weight and flexible configuration, the system is adaptable for a wide range of aerial platforms. Marte MK2/S can be fitted on C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, already procured by Polish Forces. .
At the end of 2013, France notified MBDA of a contract for the development and production of a truly fifth generation ground combat system known as MMP. This new missile features both “man in the loop” and “fire and forget” capabilities. The dual-band (uncooled infrared and TV channel) missile can be fired from confined spaces and against non-line of sight targets; in a networked environment it can also accept target coordinates from a third party. Suitable for a wide range of battlefield targets (from tanks to infrastructures), for dismounted infantry as well as for use from combat vehicles, MMP’s architecture and technologies position the 4km range missile well ahead of the competition.
