Text for Ghana Navy Exhibition

MBDA is at the forefront of the most advanced naval air defence systems, capable of defending against multiple attacks by aircraft and incoming anti-ship . Its offer spans from land and naval to airborne weapon systems to satisfy these requirements.

As an example, MBDA has developed several land, naval and airborne weapon systems operating the Mistral “fire and forget” with its advanced infrared seeker. Mistral weapon systems are equipped with a thermal imager for day/night operation and can be fitted with an autonomous IFF interrogator. Mistral missile-firing air defence missile systems can either form the main air self- defence on smaller class warships such as patrol boats or logistic support ships or act as a complement to the existing capability on larger vessels such as or aircraft carriers.

A leading system integrating a two ready-to-fire Mistral missiles is SIMBAD-RC. SIMBAD-RC is a short-range, anti-air self defence system designed to provide a primary self defence capability on all warships or to complement the main air defences of first rank warships. It is mounted on a stabilised launcher and remotely controlled from the operations room, and can be used for the anti-air defence of Fast Patrol Boats and logistic support ships. It is replacing the manually operated SIMBAD system, which is in service with several navies around the world. SIMBAD-RC provides an extremely effective defence capability against all threats including anti-ship missiles, combat aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, as well as small surface threats such as those presented by FIACs. SIMBAD RC benefits also from a 4th Generation IR thermal sight, which enables passive detection of targets at a 15 km range, for warship self-protection, particularly in littoral waters and at low speeds. The system is very effective while in dock when a ship is particularly vulnerable to a wide range of threats including FIACs (Fast Inshore Attack Craft) as in the case of asymmetric threats (commando or terrorist attack). More recently, MBDA presented the SPIMM (Self-Protection Integrated Mistral Module), an all-in- one air defence module based on the SIMBAD-RC system and designed to equip ships of all types, particularly those without a combat system (such as supply ships). The system is entirely controlled by two operators located in a shelter inside the module, which is also used to store four additional missiles. This ISO standard “all-in-one” module, 10 feet long and weighing some 7 tons, can be easily positioned on the deck of a ship using a crane, and requires just a standard electrical connection.

Anti-ship capability can also count on the Marte MK2/N missile, a “fire-and-forget” missile with a very fast reaction time and an excellent capability to penetrate and saturate anti-missile hard and soft defences of the naval target. The MK2/N system incorporates a mission planning function to optimise operation. Suitable as a new build or a retrofit on a wide range of naval vessels from 25 to 50m, the system offers a choice off MBDA’s different launchers with the flexibility to adapt as requirements evolve. Options range from two single or double launchers for a small patrol craft, up to quadruple launchers for larger vessels. Marte MK2/N fits neatly into the anti-ship spectrum – medium calibre guns for short range, Marte MK2 for medium range and Otomat/ for long range. The lightweight fire control system integrates quite easily with modern Combat Management System, featuring state of the art interfaces and a minimal footprint in terms of spaces, power supply and air conditioning needs. A number of alternative integration solutions allow installation of the system as standalone, loosely integrated with a CMS but with a dedicated Marte console or with the Human Machine Interface embedded within CMS multi-functional consoles.

A recent evolution of the Marte family includes the Marte ER (Extended Range): the third generation of this anti-ship missiles family. The most significant difference between this latest evolution and its MK2 forerunner lies in the introduction of a turbo engine in place of the rocket motor. This more than triples the missile’s range with only a minimal addition to its weight. Single or quick sequence salvo firing is possible as are different launch modes (on track, on bearing, visual). The naval version of the Marte ER ammunition is designed to complement and improve the capabilities of the Marte MK2/N, allowing installation on the same type of platforms, keeping very similar installation requirements, giving a significant firepower even on very small fast patrol boats, with minimal needs in terms of weight, space and required power supply. Further exploiting the flexibility of the MARTE family of missiles, in 2014 MBDA launched the MARTE MISSILE Coastal Defence System (MCDS) to guarantee maritime coastal traffic surveillance and interdiction to hostile ships in territorial waters.

The MCDS is available with different and flexible configurations depending on customer requirements. This system can operate either in a stand-alone mode or integrated with an existing surveillance network. With its deployment flexibility, very rapid firing sequence, autonomous and integrated operational modes, Marte MCDS offers an optimised coastal defence against a wide range of vessels from FACs to frigates and corvettes.

Moving to long range naval defence capabilities MBDA offers its family of EXOCET missiles, which comprises a range of easy to use, stand-off “fire and forget” stealthy missiles with skimming flight for engaging high value naval targets with the flexibility to be fired from all maritime platforms – surface ships, submarines, fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and coastal batteries. EXOCET, in production since 1972, was the West’s first long range anti-ship missile with "fire and forget" and skimming flight capabilities. The latest generation of this family is EXOCET MM40 Block3. It is compatible with existing MM40 launchers and has a significantly extended operational range, making it a 200 km class weapon and features open ocean, littoral and coastal land attack capabilities. It is available for surface ships and coastal batteries. EXOCET MM40 Block3 is in service with the on its Horizon class frigates and will equip its variant of the Franco-Italian FREMM . It has also been ordered by several other export customers.

A product right now under contract for Germany since December 2019, which have been designed for battlefield engagement but which could have naval defence perspectives is the Enforcer. The Enforcer shoulder launched weapon system provides low-collateral precision effects capabilities against the threat from lightly armoured static and moving targets, targets behind cover, and against targets at long range also in urban environments. It answers the German requirement for a lightweight, day/night, precision-guided weapon system with an effective range of more than 1,800 m. Its modular design enables a range of future development options, including a prospective ‘family’ of Enforcer munitions for land, air and sea applications.