MMP to replace MILAN

Christopher F Foss 06 May 2014



MBDA (Hall 1, Stand B122) is exhibiting a full-scale model of its Missile Moyenne Portee (MMP) anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW), which is now under full-scale funded development for the French Army.

This missile system is the replacement for the currently deployed MILAN that has been built in large numbers for the home and export markets and is still widely deployed. The French Army has placed a contract with MBDA covering the supply of 400 MMP firing posts and 2,850 MMP missiles, with first deliveries due in 2017.

The 140mm diameter MMP will be fitted with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead that will penetrate 1,000mm of armour protected by explosive reactive armour (ERA), which has been recently demonstrated in Bourges. The warhead will also penetrate 2,000mm of concrete.

The missile system features a fire and forget capability as well as a man in the loop capability, with this being achieved through the fibre-optic tether enabling the missile to be re-targeted in flight. It also has a high and low firing position to enable it to be easily deployed in different tactical conditions.

Range of the MMP is being quoted as 4,000m – a major advance over the older MILAN, which had a maximum range of 2,500m.

Recent trials of the MMP have included proving the soft launch of the missile, allowing it to be successfully launched in a confined space such as a building.

MBDA is in discussion with the Indian Army, offering the MMP to replace the MILAN 2T, which is still in service and production; 8,000 missiles could be involved.

Janes IHS