Press release

Euronaval 2022: Nexter and MBDA present the new NARWHAL turret equipped with the AKERON MP missile system

 

  • Nexter and MBDA now offer a configuration of the NARWHAL (NAval Remote Weapon, Highly Accurate, Lightweight) turret that includes two pods of AKERON MP missiles
  • This configuration allows for easy installation on any version of the NARWHAL turret, including those already in service
  • This kit, presented for the first time at Euronaval, consists of two AKERON MP missile pods with the associated control electronics and an operator terminal.

 

The NARWHAL is a remotely operated 20mm naval turret that can be integrated just as easily onto small patrol boats as onto frigates. Equipped with state-of-the-art optronics, including a day/night sight and a laser range finder, it is effective at more than 2,000 metres thanks to its 20M621 gun.

The NARWHAL is already a commercial success, in service with six different navies. To meet their needs and those of future customers, our engineers are working to add new capabilities and options that enhance its operational effectiveness.

 

The NARWHAL turret presented on the Nexter stand is paired with a manual target designator: the Short Range Pointer (SRP), designed by the German firm Hensoldt. With this easy-to-use tool, an onboard operator can quickly designate a target to the NARWHAL by pointing a laser beam.

The AKERON MP missile (formerly known as the MMP) has been available to French forces since 2017 and has already been selected by five countries, including three in Europe. It is the only latest-generation land combat missile in service to have been successfully engaged in operations on multiple occasions. With more than 150 test and training firings to its credit, the AKERON MP is capable of dealing with all battlefield threats in all types of environment: extreme heat and cold, urban spaces, maritime areas, and mountainous terrain. Finally, a naval capability is being implemented on the AKERON MP missile to facilitate the acquisition of small targets and signatures from naval platforms, including with a mast-mounted configuration, and provide these platforms with an enhanced self-defence capability in coastal environments against sea- or land-based asymmetric threats. AKERON MP offers both “fire-and-forget” and “man-in-the-loop” capability (for engagements where there is a risk of collateral damage).

 

The integration of MBDA's anti-missile system on the NARWHAL turret means that the AKERON MP is now available on a new naval platform, as the system also comes in a dismounted version on a light firing post, as well as on a range of other platforms, such as armoured vehicles, light vehicles, ECUME semi-rigid commando boats, fast patrol boats, or larger ships for close protection needs.

 

About MBDA:    

MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air).  With a significant presence in five European countries and within the USA, in 2021 MBDA achieved revenue of 4.2 billion euro with an order book of 17.8 billion euro. In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.  

MBDA is jointly owned by Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%), and Leonardo (25%).

 

About Nexter

Nexter, a KNDS Group company, is the French leader in land defence and one of Europe’s largest ammunition manufacturers. Its field of activity extends to the supply of systems and munitions for air and naval forces. The company’s international growth strategy is bearing fruit, with multiple export orders in 2021. In France, Nexter is fully geared to meeting the objectives of the Scorpion programme, through the upgrade of the Leclerc tank, the development and production of the Griffon VBMR and Jaguar EBRC fighting vehicles (as part of a consortium with Arquus and Thales) and of the Serval Light VBMR (with Texelis). The group's range of products also includes the VBCI and Titus® armoured vehicles, the Caesar® and 105LG1 artillery systems, smart ammunition (Bonus®, Katana®), robots, and numerous equipment items. Nexter achieved a turnover of €1.3 billion in 2021, with 30% generated by customer services ranging from training to fleet management and from maintenance to in-service support.

For more information, visit www.nexter-group.fr.