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First test firing of a medium-range missile from a Sabre

MBDA has carried out the first firing of an MMP missile from an infantryman's firing post mounted on the circular of an Arquus Sabre vehicle, as part of a firing campaign carried out with the support of the French army and the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA).

This shot was fired at the Canjuers military camp in the south of France, in “hook before firing” mode against a tank 3500 meters away, with a quick switchover to “fire and forget” mode, to allow full mobility of the vehicle after firing.

The MMP system demonstrated the precision of its target acquisition chain and the quality of its guidance chain with a hit on target, without operator intervention. In addition to this shot, multiple simulated stationary engagements, on fixed or moving targets, with the vehicle evolving on the test ground, enabled a further step to be taken in validating the ergonomic, tactical and safety studies.

During the debriefing, the Army gunner was very enthusiastic: “The firing system is safe, the ergonomics are adapted for easy aiming, and the launch took place without any discomfort for the gunner, and as discreetly as ever”. The MMP shooting station integrated on the Sabre offers optimized ergonomics, also allowing the use of a weapon on the circular to ensure the vehicle's self-defense.


The Sabre, a global Special Forces vehicle

The Sabre is a 4x4 tactical vehicle derived from the Sherpa Light, perfectly adapted to the needs of Special Forces. With its high degree of stealth, it can intervene rapidly beyond the front lines, carrying out battlefield reconnaissance, rapid assault and fire support missions.

Its proven chassis and 265 hp engine provide excellent off-road mobility, even over the most difficult terrain. As a patrol and combat vehicle, it boasts high firepower with its large-diameter, multi-purpose flywheel and numerous 7.62mm secondary weapon mounts for the crew.

With its 11-ton GVW, communications systems (C4ISR), additional fuel tanks and long range, it is capable of carrying out long-duration operations in complete autonomy. Modular, it can be specially configured according to mission profile, with additional protection kits, weapons and communications systems, ammunition and spare parts for increased autonomy. It can be airlifted by A400M and C-130 aircraft. The Sabre is intended for export markets, where it has already achieved a number of successes.

The first fifth-generation missile to be deployed in combat, the MMP has been in service with the French army for two years. Flexible and versatile, it is combat-proven and has been deployed in various theaters around the world (desert, tropical, mountainous and Arctic zones). A real asset for Special Forces operating over long distances, the MMP can be re-supplied with additional ammunition by airdrop.

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