French Armed Forces press release – Translated by Naval News
Worth a total of around 600 million euros, these orders are part of the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law (LPM) which plans to strengthen and modernize forces’ capabilities in these strategic areas.
Steered by the DGA, these programs and their future increments should enable the continued improvement of weapon system performance and the ramp-up of these new capabilities.
The first order, placed with MBDA France, is for eight MICA VL launchers and ammunition for the French Air Force. It follows on from the delivery of the first VL MICA systems in the first half of 2024, which helped secure the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A second order, placed with KNDS France, covers the development and production of two new versions of the SERVAL (SAM and C-UAS). These versions are adapted to conditions of engagement in high-intensity conflicts. They help the French army to set up an accompanying anti-aircraft bubble to protect land forces deployed on operations.
The SAM version for which the initial order is for 30 units, will be fitted with the ATLAS RC turret from MBDA France. These turrets enable the MISTRAL missile to be deployed under armor, and feature self-defense weapons.
The C-UAS version, for which the initial order is for 24 units will be equipped with a remotely-operated turret incorporating a 30 mm cannon and autonomous detection systems (radar and radio-frequency detector).
A third order, placed with MBDA France is for the acquisition of “SIMBAD RC” naval systems for the deployment of MISTRAL missiles. These systems will provide the French Navy’s offshore patrol vessels and replenishment tankers with enhanced self-defense capabilities. They are intended to contribute to and guarantee their freedom of action and security.
A fourth order is for the development of a 40 mm anti-aircraft artillery ammunition. Adapted to the 40 mm artillery systems of French Navy vessels and developed by KNDS France and THALES LAS, it will also contribute to reinforcing ships’ self-defense capabilities.
With these new systems, and the Franco-Italian “high-layer” SAMP-T NG surface to air system from EUROSAM (THALES LAS and MBDA), France will have a complete, modern, high-performance range of surface-air defense and anti-drone capabilities, capable of dealing with the full spectrum of threats in a coordinated fashion.
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Naval News comments
C-UAS and CIWS were a well-identified shortcoming in the French navy, which is why measures were taken as part of the major upgrades that took place on certain naval assets currently in service with the French navy. Indeed, it started with the three La Fayette class frigates which have been fitted with SADRAL systems to complement their armament against air threats.
It seems that the feedback from this experience has been definitively taken into account and implemented in future surface ship programs. This new SIMBAD RC order for the Jacques Chevallier-class replenishment tankers, already fitted with KNDS RAPIDFire 40 mm gun, and the French Navy’s future OPVs (patrouilleurs hauturiers) are further examples.
Regarding the the future OPVs, as already reported by Naval News during Euronaval 2024, the ships were “fitted for but not with” MBDA SIMBAD RC with MISTRAL 3 SAM. Now, the acquisition of such systems for these vessels is no longer in doubt and will be fitted natively.
Contacted by Naval News, an MBDA spokesperson confirmed that the OPVs and the last two Jacques Chevallier-class vessels – still under construction – will receive the new turrets mounts in twin (RC2) missile configurations unlike the first two that were fitted with the former ones. According to the missile manufacturer, the new design is intended to simplify integration, maximise system efficiency, and, with the four-round version, increase the available number of ready-to-fire missiles. MBDA says that it will be possible to upgrade turrets from RC2 to RC4 configuration. French Navy should be then the first user of this new turret offered by MBDA.
About the 40mm A3B airburst ammunition, in an interview given to Naval News, KNDS confirmed that the first phase of its development was indeed ongoing from 2023. This new order from the DGA will allow KNDS to finish the development and enter production. A3B is much needed to provide the RAPIDFire mount with true C-UAS and counter missile capabilities.
Check the interview about the RAPIDFire in the video below.
