The European missile company MBDA has signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the Greek companies Miltech and Altus for the development of systems based on the Akeron MP missiles. Both agreements are part of the so-called R+D Booster initiative (research and development stimulus), which in turn is a component of the strategic partnership that the country signed with France in 2021 as part of a plan to develop long-term cooperation in Europe.
The partnership with Miltech includes the development of an Akeron MP missile launch kit to equip light automatic turrets equipped with low-caliber cannons.
The second agreement, signed with Altus, focuses on the development of tactical drones also equipped with these Akeron MP missiles. Initially, work will begin on the integration of this weapon into Altus’ new Atlas 8 Heavy Lifter UAV.
The Akeron make up a family of fifth-generation tactical combat missiles that includes the previously called MMP missiles and their MHT version for platforms such as the Tiger helicopter, which in 2022 were renamed, respectively, Akeron MP and Akeron LP.
The agreements now concluded, “signed within the framework of the strategic partnership between France and Greece”, as MBDA CEO Eric Béranger points out, “aim to develop long-term activities with the Hellenic defence industry”, while, he adds, “consolidating the long-standing relationship that exists between MBDA and Greece”. Likewise, he concludes, “they also demonstrate MBDA’s ability to promote, support and strengthen industrial cooperation in Europe”, which he considers to be “a value that is at the heart of MBDA’s DNA”.