Akeron LP conceptThe European concern MBDA has announced the successful testing of a new Akeron LP anti-tank missile designed to equip helicopters, UAVs and ground vehicles. The first ATGM shooting took place from a ground installation. The relevant footage was shown by the company online.
The Akeron LP, which is expected to begin deliveries in 2028, is designed to replace the American AGM-114R Hellfire II missile of the same type. The new ATGM has a range of fire from 8 to 20 km. Earlier, another representative of the family, the Akeron MP portable ATGM with a range of more than 4 km, entered mass production.
Image source: topwar.ru
As indicated on the developer's website, Akeron LP has a mass of less than 40 kg, a length of 1.7 m in a tube and a diameter of 150 mm. Targeting can be carried out via infrared (with an uncooled matrix) or optical channels, or in semi-active mode through a laser. It is possible to capture the target of the GOS before or after the shot. The ATGM is capable of piercing more than 1,000 mm of steel hidden behind the DZ.
- stated in MBDA.
Image source: topwar.ru
However, the deployment of a new ATGM in the army may be hindered by one snag – it was supposed to be launched from aboard a Eurocopter Tiger helicopter of a new Mk3 modification, but the development of this version of the rotary-wing aircraft was curtailed, as the French Ministry of Defense, studying the experience of the Ukrainian conflict, questioned the rationality of using helicopters on the battlefield as a means of "direct fire."
Instead, it was decided to upgrade Tiger helicopters to the Mk2 standard and equip them with attack drones – the corresponding modernization program should be completed by 2030.
