At NAVDEX 2019, MBDA is presenting the SPIMM (Self-Protection Integrated Mistral Module), an all-in-one air defense module based on the SIMBAD-RC system and designed to equip ships of all types, particularly those without a combat system (such as supply ships).

The SPIMM module consists of a SIMBAD-RC automated naval turret equipped with two ready-to-fire Mistral missiles and a 360° infrared panoramic system to detect and track air and surface threats. The system is entirely controlled by two operators located in a shelter inside the module, which is also used to store four additional missiles. This ISO standard “all-in-one” module, 10 feet long and weighing some 7 tons, can be easily positioned on the deck of a ship using a crane, and requires just a standard electrical connection.

Designed to protect surface vessels against most conventional airborne threats (anti-ship missiles, combat aircraft, helicopters and UAVs), the SIMBAD-RC and Mistral demonstrated, at the end of last year, its ability to neutralize asymmetric threats such as Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC) by day and by night.

“The SPIMM enables the urgent and rapid adaptation of supply vessels or landing platform docks to cope with new threats, or for using them in contested areas. This system illustrates MBDA's ability to understand its customers' needs and to quickly come up with effective and functional solutions,” said Naval Defense Systems Product Executive Christophe Leduc.

The Mistral missile, in its latest generation currently in service in the French forces, is an air defense missile equipped with an infrared imaging seeker and advanced image processing capabilities allowing it to engage low thermal signature targets such as UAVs, anti-ship missiles and fast craft at a greater distance, while offering excellent resistance to countermeasures.

The SIMBAD-RC is a very short-range remote-controlled naval air defense system that ensures high effectiveness against a wide range of threats, from fighter aircraft to threats of smaller dimensions such as UAVs and anti-ship missiles. Each turret is equipped with two ready-to-fire Mistral missiles. The turret is remotely operated, allowing its operator to remain in the safety of the ship’s operations center, enabling longer operational availability in the event of a prolonged combat alert.

With a significant presence in five European countries and within the USA, in 2017 MBDA achieved revenue of 3.1 billion euros with an order book of 16.8 billion euros. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems.

MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.

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