MBDA has recorded a significant new success in the development of its AKERON LP missile, following a successful live test conducted on 24 March 2026 at the DGA Missile Test Site on Île du Levant, France. The trial marked an important step forward for the programme, demonstrating for the first time in flight a series of advanced new functionalities that will strengthen the missile’s operational relevance for future combat environments.

The test was carried out from a ground-based installation against a mobile maritime target positioned on a moving barge at a distance of 6 kilometres. Its principal objective was to validate two key new capabilities of the AKERON LP: semi-active laser guidance, enabled by a seeker developed by Safran, and real-time image transmission back to the operator through a data link provided by Thales.

According to MBDA, the missile prototype used during the trial was equipped with dedicated instrumentation to measure environmental conditions and record parameters across several critical functional chains. This enabled engineers to collect extensive data while assessing the missile’s behaviour in realistic operational conditions.

The results confirmed the maturity of the system. The missile reportedly performed as expected throughout the engagement, achieving optimal terminal guidance on laser designation while maintaining a fully functional data link that allowed image return to the gunner for the duration of the flight. This combination of precision guidance and real-time visual feedback represents a substantial enhancement in operator situational awareness and engagement control, particularly in complex and fast-evolving battlefield scenarios.

The successful test is regarded as a major milestone in the AKERON LP development programme. Beyond validating the new functionalities introduced, it also helped consolidate previously achieved performance levels and further demonstrated the overall maturity of the product. MBDA noted that the missile’s principal equipment is now moving toward the qualification phase, underlining the programme’s steady progress.

The company credited the achievement to the close cooperation and commitment of all organisations involved in the programme, including MBDA and its principal industrial partners, together with the French defence procurement agency (DGA) and OCCAR, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation.

Selected in 2020 under the Future Tactical Air-to-Ground Missile (MAST-F) programme managed by OCCAR on behalf of the DGA, the AKERON LP builds upon the technologies developed for the AKERON MP missile. Initially intended to equip the future Tigre Mk3 attack helicopter, the missile is now set to be integrated across several combat platforms, reflecting a broader operational ambition and increased flexibility in deployment.

With AKERON LP, MBDA is positioning itself to deliver an innovative European-made weapon system designed to meet the demands of modern warfare. Combining precision strike capability, enhanced guidance options, and advanced operator connectivity, the missile is intended to respond to the evolving challenges of the contemporary battlefield while building on technologies already recognised by armed forces.

This latest successful firing confirms that the AKERON LP programme continues to advance on a solid trajectory, bringing Europe closer to fielding a next-generation long-range tactical missile solution capable of serving across multiple domains and operational requirements.