AKERON MBT 120: AI-Guided Fire-and-Forget Missile for 120mm NATO Tank Guns

-

At the DSEI UK 2025 defense exhibition, MBDA unveiled the AKERON MBT 120, a cutting-edge non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile system designed to be fired from NATO-standard 120mm smoothbore tank guns. This innovation marks a significant leap in armored warfare capabilities, offering main battle tanks (MBTs) a new dimension of lethality and tactical flexibility. The missile’s development is a direct response to lessons learned from recent high-intensity global conflicts, where conventional tank armaments have faced limitations against peer adversaries.

Photo: mbda-systems.com

The AKERON MBT 120 is engineered to seamlessly integrate with existing NATO tank platforms, thanks to its identical dimensions to standard 120mm ammunition. This compatibility eliminates the need for structural modifications or specialized launch systems, streamlining its adoption across allied forces. By leveraging commercial off-the-shelf components and avoiding ITAR restrictions, MBDA ensures broader accessibility and faster deployment cycles for partner nations.

One of the missile’s standout features is its AI-driven targeting software, which enhances precision and autonomy in combat scenarios. The “fire-and-forget” capability allows operators to engage targets without maintaining line-of-sight, reducing exposure and increasing survivability. With a range of 1 to 5 kilometers, a passive seeker, low-smoke rocket motor, and armor-piercing warhead, the AKERON MBT 120 is optimized for both urban and open battlefield environments.

Operationally, this missile system significantly boosts the firepower and survivability of MBTs, enabling them to engage threats beyond visual range. It reduces reliance on artillery support, allowing armored units to operate more independently and respond swiftly to dynamic threats. Moreover, its design supports spiral development, meaning incremental upgrades can be implemented without disrupting existing logistics or training frameworks.

The AKERON MBT 120 occupies a strategic niche within MBDA’s missile portfolio, bridging the gap between man-portable systems like ENFORCER and AKERON MP, and long-range anti-tank solutions such as the Surface Launched BRIMSTONE. This positioning allows commanders to tailor their arsenal based on mission requirements, terrain, and threat profiles. It also reflects MBDA’s commitment to modularity and scalability in modern warfare technologies.

By addressing both technological and operational challenges, the AKERON MBT 120 sets a new benchmark for tank-launched missile systems. Its introduction signals a shift toward smarter, more adaptable munitions that align with the evolving nature of ground combat. As global security dynamics continue to change, innovations like this will play a crucial role in maintaining battlefield superiority and strategic deterrence.

Popular posts from this blog

SPEAR 3 Missile: Revolutionary Stand-Off Weapon Set for Early 2030s Deployment

-
Image
The SPEAR 3 missile, a cutting-edge stand-off weapon designed for precision strikes, is now expected to enter service in the early 2030s. Developed by MBDA, this missile is intended to enhance the capabilities of the UK’s F-35B fighter jets, providing them with a long-range, high-precision strike option. SPEAR 3. MBDA Background and Development The Selective Precision Effects At Range (SPEAR) project began in 2006, aiming to create a series of air-launched stand-off weapons for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The SPEAR 3 missile, which shares components with the Brimstone anti-tank missile, is designed to engage mobile, fleeting, and re-locatable targets in all weather conditions, day or night. In March 2010, MBDA was awarded a £150 million contract for the assessment phase, focusing on guidance systems, warhead configurations, and test firings. A successful test launch from a Typhoon trials aircraft took place in March 2016, marking a significant milestone in its development. Integration a...
Read more »

Nearthlab’s XAiDEN Drone Combining AI, Tactical Swarm Coordination, and Mortar Strike Capability

-
Image
South Korean drone startup Nearthlab introduced a breakthrough in autonomous aerial systems with the unveiling of XAiDEN, a mothership drone designed to operate with swarm attack capabilities and cooperative reconnaissance missions. This innovative drone system represents a significant advancement in military drone technology, combining artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation, and multi-drone coordination into a single formidable platform. XAIDEN. Photo: nearthlab.com XAiDEN possesses the unique ability to carry and deploy ten smaller attack drones, which it commands independently without human input during mission execution. These compact drones function as extensions of the mothership, responding to its directives with precision and efficiency. Operating as a cohesive swarm, they can be directed simultaneously to a single target for concentrated attack or distributed across multiple targets for parallel engagements, depending on strategic needs. What sets XAiDEN apart is its c...
Read more »

TRV-150 Multi-Role Drone Demonstrates APKWS Firepower Against Ground and Aerial Targets

-
Image
The recent demonstration of the Malloy TRV-150 drone launching an APKWS-guided munition at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah marks a significant milestone in the evolution of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for tactical operations. This event not only showcased the drone’s ability to deliver precision strikes but also underscored the growing role of multi-rotor platforms in modern combat environments. TRV-150. Photo: baesystems.com The TRV-150 is a product of collaboration between Malloy Aeronautics, a UK-based firm specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and SURVICE Engineering, a U.S. company focused on defense technology integration. Originally conceived as a logistics drone, the TRV-150 was designed to support tactical resupply missions in challenging environments. It features eight electric rotors, a modular payload system, and a rugged frame capable of operating in diverse conditions—from arctic cold to desert heat. The drone can carry up to 68 kilograms...
Read more »

Lockheed Martin Secures $4.3B Deal to Supply JASSM-ER and LRASM Missiles to U.S. and NATO Allies

-
Image
In late July, the United States Department of Defense, officially signed a framework agreement with defense contractor Lockheed Martin for the procurement of advanced long-range missiles. The contract, valued at a staggering $4.3 billion, covers the acquisition of two highly sophisticated missile systems: the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER) and the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). This agreement marks a significant step in bolstering the United States’ strategic strike capabilities, as well as enhancing the military readiness of several allied nations. LRASM. Photo: lockheedmartin.com Under the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin will receive an initial payment of $1.4 billion. This upfront funding is intended to support the early stages of production, including the procurement of raw materials, assembly of missile components, and initial testing phases. According to the current timeline, Lockheed Martin is expected to deliver t...
Read more »

Bayonet 250 AUGV to Boost Marine Corps Mine Detection and Coastal Defense

-
Image
The United States Marine Corps has awarded a fixed-price contract worth $9 million to Greensea IQ for the procurement of the Bayonet 250 system, a cutting-edge Amphibious Unmanned Ground Vehicle (AUGV). This strategic acquisition marks a significant step forward in the modernization of the Marine Corps’ capabilities, particularly in littoral and surf zone operations. The Bayonet 250 is designed to operate in challenging coastal environments, offering a versatile and robust platform for a variety of military applications. Bayonet 250. Photo: greenseaiq.com Delivery of the Bayonet 250 units is scheduled to begin in September 2025, signaling the start of a new era in autonomous amphibious operations. These vehicles will be integrated into the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization (LEON) system family, enhancing the Marine Corps’ ability to detect, identify, and neutralize explosive threats in near-shore environments. The collaboration between the Bayonet 250 and LEON systems is expec...
Read more »

How Ukraine Is Using Drones to Deliver 155mm Artillery with Deadly Accuracy

-
Image
The integration of large Ukrainian drones with 155mm artillery shells represents a significant evolution in modern warfare tactics, particularly in terms of cost-efficiency and precision. This innovative approach reflects a strategic shift toward maximizing the effectiveness of existing military assets while minimizing operational expenses. By leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to deliver heavy artillery payloads, Ukrainian forces have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the demands of asymmetric warfare, where agility, accuracy, and resourcefulness often outweigh brute force. Traditionally, 155mm artillery shells are deployed via ground-based howitzers or self-propelled artillery systems, which require substantial logistical support, fuel, and manpower. These systems, while powerful, are often limited by terrain, visibility, and the need for forward deployment. In contrast, drones offer a nimble and versatile platform capable of bypassing many of these constraints. B...
Read more »