MBDA touts its new MMP missile system configurations

PARIS, June 18 (UPI) -- European missile-maker MBDA has spotlighted its new configurations of the fifth-generation MMP land combat system.

The first new configuration of the MMP, or Missile Moyenne Portée, is for use on France's multi-purpose combat vehicle. The other, in collaboration with Nexter, is for use of the T40 weapons turret.

"As a fifth-generation land combat missile, MMP was conceived from the outset to be network- enabled thanks to an infantry firing post equipped with functions including location, orientation and telemetry," said Jean-Paul Faye, head of MBDA Land Systems. "These capabilities allow the system to share the tactical situation within the deployed combat unit and to engage both visible and concealed targets as well as non-line-of-sight targets.

"These characteristics, which are currently unique for such a lightweight missile and for this class of performance, will enable combat vehicles to be endowed with increased strike and rapid reaction capabilities, features associated with extensive liberty of maneuver."

The MMP was conceived for use in dismounted combat operations and the new configurations demonstrate its modularity.

MBDA has conducted feasibility studies on integration of the MMP system on a Multi-Purpose Combat Vehicles. It has also studied with Nexter the integration of the system onto the T40 turret being developed for a 40mm telescoped cannon munition as part of a French Army armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle project.

MBDA, which touted the configurations at an international defense exhibition in France, said the mounted vehicle configuration has been ordered by several countries.