MBDA has used DSEI 2025 to showcase a new concept for a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile designed to be fired from NATO-standard 120mm smoothbore tank guns.
The proposed AKERON MBT 120 would give main battle tanks a fire-and-forget missile capability that extends engagement ranges out to five kilometres. Unlike conventional gun rounds, it carries its own seeker, rocket motor and warhead, intended to provide tanks with the ability to strike beyond line of sight and to reduce reliance on supporting artillery.
The company says the missile is dimensionally identical to existing 120mm rounds, allowing it to be stowed and loaded without modification to current tank designs. The stated aim is to give operators a higher on-board missile loadout without altering vehicle signatures.
The design incorporates a passive seeker, a boost rocket motor with low-smoke propellant, and an armour-defeating warhead. MBDA also points to the use of commercial off-the-shelf components and AI-enabled targeting software as a way to speed development and keep costs down.
The missile is pitched as filling a gap between shoulder- or vehicle-mounted weapons such as AKERON MP and ENFORCER, and heavier overwatch systems like Surface-Launched Brimstone.
Chief executive Eric Beranger said the project reflected lessons drawn from current conflicts and an intent to spiral-develop the capability. “This latest addition to our AKERON family offers our customers a solution for rapid development to an initial capability, spirally developed to enhance the efficiency of their existing platforms in a new way,” he told reporters.
Whether AKERON MBT 120 proceeds beyond concept stage will depend on customer interest. No launch customer has been identified.
What a brilliant concept, and it would allow greater options for the crews.
Let’s be clear..it’s a made up weapon, not a real one.
Like the old US M551 Sheridan tank.
I believe the Sheridan had to have line of sight to the target and was laser guided I think this one is more like the switchblade it goes up tracks then comes down but I could be wrong
At last, industry is seeking innovative and practical solutions to enhance lethality at pace and hopefully, cost effectively.
Could still do with more C3s, but that comment is pretty worn out on here.
The Challenger 2 has 48 rounds, and I believe with the Challenger 3 its dropping to 31. This is already much lower than most MBT’s, so how many are they willing to sacrifice for something that may or may not be fired every once in a while?
Wont it cause excessive barrel wear.? A better option, must be working in combination, with a armoured AT weapon carrier? Something, along the lines of Swingfire/Striker etc
Wow – brilliant