France orders 200 Aquiron anti-tank missiles
France and MBDA have signed a contract to deliver 200 anti-tank guided missiles supporting the Akron MP network to the French Armed Forces.
The demand is part of investments and "preliminary research and technological studies" by the French Defense Procurement Agency and MBDA to modernize the force's ground capabilities.
French Akron missiles
The Akron missiles have been in service with the French Army, Navy, and Air Force since 2017, while their first operational use was carried out in 2018.
The missiles can reportedly hit targets up to four kilometers (2.5 miles), and the weapon's "Fire Once" feature allows fighters to evacuate a position after launch, hitting targets autonomously.
"Through its digital positioning, guidance, and communications capabilities, the missile can engage both targets visible to the shooter and those that cannot be seen directly," said France's defense procurement agency.
France has also awarded a contract to Nexter Systems to modernize 50 Leclerc main battle tanks, and the agreement is based on the 2021 contract ordering the renewal of 50 separate Leclerc companies.
Each tank will be equipped with reinforced armor against improvised explosives and rockets. Furthermore, the vehicles will have a new programmable fire control system, and the prototype, XLR, was delivered in December and is currently undergoing qualification tests. About 18 XLRs from Nexter's Roanne facility will be shipped to the military this year.
Once completed, 100 refurbished tanks will be integrated into the Scorpion Joint Weapons Battle Group. The fleet will remain in service until the arrival of future Franco-German central ground combat systems in 2040.
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