MBDA has successfully conducted its first launch of the long-range anti-tank missile Akeron LP.
The tests were aimed at verifying the capabilities of the booster and the main rocket engine, as reported by OCCAR (Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation).
The 5th generation missile family Akeron was introduced by the company in June 2022. The Akeron LP missile is intended to replace the existing AGM-114R Hellfire II, primarily designed for use from the air with the new modification of the Eurocopter Tiger MkIII helicopter.
This raises a concern, as the modernization of the Tiger helicopters to the MkIII variant was halted due to the experience gained from the use of helicopters in Ukraine. Moreover, France has "overcomplicated" the modernization of the Tiger helicopter, opting to integrate drones instead of the Akeron.
This brings up a question: if the development of Akeron LP continues despite the cancellation of the carrier helicopter upgrades, what platform will it be used on? Thus, there are not many options left: either MDBA hopes for the emergence of the Tiger MkIII, or they are looking for foreign buyers and planning to integrate the missile with another helicopter, or they are considering a ground launch variant.
When deployed from the air, the missile has a range of 20 km, but when launched from the ground, the range significantly decreases to just 8 km, compared to the Hellfire II, which has an air launch range of only 8 km. The Akeron LP missile weighs less than 40 kg. The Eurocopter Tiger MkIII can carry up to 12 of these missiles simultaneously.
A key feature of this missile is its control system. The missile is equipped with a camera, providing the operator with a live feed via a radio channel. Additionally, the missile is outfitted with artificial intelligence, allowing it to operate on a "fire-and-forget" principle.
In addition to the Akeron LP, the Akeron missile family also includes the Akeron MP, which is designed for use by infantry, armored vehicles, and marine forces from inflatable boats. It has a significantly shorter range and is controlled via an optical cable. In 2023, there were reports of its transfer to Ukraine, but this information was quickly denied.