The Akeron MBT is designed to be launched from 120 mm smoothbore tank guns and will match the dimensions and mass of standard NATO 120×570 mm ammunition. MBDA said this would allow loading the missile in a similar way to conventional rounds.
While performance details of the warhead were not disclosed, it is expected to be a shaped charge capable of penetrating over 1,000 mm of armour. The missile will rely solely on its rocket motor for launch, reducing stress on its electronic components, and will fly at low supersonic speed.
Guidance will be provided by a passive electro-optical seeker operating in both television and infrared bands. The missile is expected to include a “fire-and-forget” mode, with other modes potentially using a two-way radio link to strike targets beyond the crew’s line of sight.
MBDA said the missile would be able to perform top-attack strikes, enabling it to hit vehicles behind obstacles and target the weaker roof armour of combat vehicles. This mode could also help bypass active protection systems.
The range of the Akeron MBT has not been specified, but it is likely to reach around five kilometres. The aim of the programme is to give tank crews the capability to engage targets effectively beyond direct line of sight.
If development proceeds on schedule, test firings of the Akeron MBT could begin next year. MBDA declared that series production could follow within a few years, although integration with tank fire control systems has not yet been detailed.
