Akeron
MMP
Overview
Akeron MP
Ready to launch Akeron MP anti-tank guided missile system.
Source: MBDA -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Anti-tank missile
French for "medium range missile"
Akeron MP (2022 rename)
RBS 58 (Swedish service)
Description
Introduction
Akeron is a modern era anti-tank guided weapon of French origin. It was developed since 2010 as a replacement for the Milan system. Key requirements included an improved performance against soft targets, and infantry in the open, and the ability to also function as a non line of sight weapon with lock on after launch capabilities. The program started out as the MMP, a French abbreviation denoting a medium range missile system. A long range variant is under development, also with helicopters as intended launch platform.
Design
Akeron missiles are launched from a disposable launch tube. A gimballed optical sensor is mounted in the nose. This is followed by the guidance and warhead section in the middle and the two stage rocket motor is located in the rear. Akeron can be vehicle launched, or launched by from a reusable man portable firing post with tripod mount. Flight paths can be direct fire or a high altitude flight path. This allows for a top attack mode, enables non-line of sight firing and provides overview of the battlefield for the human in the loop firing mode.
Guidance
Optical guidance is used on the Akeron. The dual mode seeker has a daylight camera and infrared sensor. In the lock on before launch mode the Akeron is a fire and forget weapon, even against moving vehicles. The lock on after launch mode uses a two way data feed via fiber optical wire. This allows for a non line of sight mode with a human in the loop.
Firepower
Akeron has a multipurpose warhead to defeat armored vehicles, bunkers and infantry in the open. The tandem HEAT warhead defeats up to 1.000 mm of RHA behind ERA. Or up to 2 meters of concrete. The warhead also has 1.500 pre-formed tungsten fragments with a lethal radius against personnel up to 15 meters. Maximum range in a high altitude flight mode is 5 km. Minimum range in a direct fire scenario is 150 meters.
Users
The main user of the Akeron is France, where it is used both by infantry using a man portable firing post and as a vehicle mounted weapon. Akeron has been exported to various nations in both man portable and vehicle mounted configurations.
Details
Media
Akeron MP
French troops with a ready to launch Akeron MP anti-tank guided missile system in Mali in 2020.
Source: Armée de Terre
Copyright: Licence Ouverte 2.0
Akeron MP
French soldier launching an Akeron MP anti-tank guided missile.
Source: Armée de Terre
Copyright: Licence Ouverte 2.0
Akeron MP
French soldiers launching an Akeron MP anti-tank guided missile during an exercise in the Alps in 2022.
Source: Armée de Terre
Copyright: Licence Ouverte 2.0
Related articles
FGM-148 Javelin
In French service the Akeron supplements the American Javelin system, which also has fire and forget top attack capabilities.