MBDA and SAFRAN partner on MMP for Australia
MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense have announced their global strategic partnership which will play a key role in response to the Commonwealth of Australia's Defence Industry Policy Statement to support the development of Australian sovereign industrial and strategic capability. This agreement will take advantage of Safran Electronics & Defense Australasia, a Safran Electronics & Defense subsidiary that has been operational for over 20 years in Australia, for delivery and support of optronics and navigation equipment.
MMP (above) is the only fifth generation multi-purpose guided missile system, currently ordered by a major NATO member. MMP was developed by MBDA for dismounted applications and for integration onto armoured fighting vehicles.
MBDA Australia Managing Director, Andy Watson said. “MMP is the only fifth generation anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) in production. It is the most advanced and lowest risk missile solution for Land 400 Phase 2 and offers unique technological and strategic benefits to Australia,”
“MBDA’s approach to Australian Industrial Capability is based on two principles: ensuring the Commonwealth has the highest level of operational independence and sovereignty in its use of the missil, and generating real opportunities for Australian industry through the transfer of production capability, high value skills and cutting edge technologies.
MMP has been ordered by France for its infantry and combat reconnaissance vehicles (Scorpion programme). It will be fitted onto the French Army’s new Jaguar combat vehicles along with Safran Electronics & Defense’s PASEO advanced sighting systems. Qualification of MMP was completed in July 2017 and deliveries have now started.
PASEO sighting system, with its advanced capabilities and already integrated to fire the MMP missile, has additionally been ordered by France and integrated on to the Scorpion programme’s Jaguar combat reconnaissance vehicles.
SAFRAN Electronics & Defense is a strategic partner of MBDA for a number of programmes, including the MMP missile system where they are responsible for critical optronics elements namely: dismounted firing posts, sensors, commands and missile seekers.