MBDA’s AKERON LP wraps up test against moving sea target

April 14, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense company MBDA has carried out a new development test of its AKERON LP missile, demonstrating advanced guidance and data transmission capabilities during an engagement against a moving sea target.

The test was conducted on March 24 at the DGA (French defence procurement agency) Missile Test Site on the Île du Levant. It was carried out from a ground installation against a mobile sea target.

The primary objective of the trial was to validate, for the first time in flight, the new capabilities of the AKERON LP system, according to MBDA.

These included semi-active laser guidance using a seeker developed by Safran, as well as real-time image transmission to the operator via a data link provided by Thales. During the test, the missile engaged a moving sea target mounted on a barge at a distance of 6 kilometres.

The missile prototype was also equipped with instrumentation to collect environmental data and monitor key functional parameters throughout the flight.

MBDA stated that the missile e performed as expected, achieving accurate terminal guidance on the laser-designated target while maintaining a stable data link that enabled continuous image feedback to the operator.

The trial represents a significant milestone in the development program, reflecting the coordinated efforts of industry and institutional partners, including the French defence procurement agency and the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).

The successful test not only confirms the effectiveness of the newly introduced functionalities but also consolidates previously demonstrated performance, highlighting the system’s growing maturity as it moves toward the qualification phase, it was highlighted.

Selected in 2020 under the Future Tactical Air-to-Ground Missile (MAST-F) program managed by OCCAR on behalf of the DGA, the AKERON LP builds on technologies developed for the AKERON MP.

Initially intended for integration on the Tigre Mk3 helicopter, the system is now expected to be deployed across a broader range of combat platforms.