MBDA Group has successfully demonstrated the use of the Mistral missile against fast boats such as FIACs (Fast Inshore Attack Craft) at a range of over 3km. Simulating the utility of Mistral for the self-protection of vessels against asymmetric threats, the firings were performed from a SIMBAD-RC automated naval turret, successfully striking a fast-moving remotely controlled semi-rigid boat traveling more than 3km off the coast.
Equipped with an imaging infrared seeker with advanced image processing capabilities, the Mistral air defense missile can engage targets with low thermal signatures from long distances such as UAVs, missiles and fast boats while offering excellent resistance to countermeasures.
The SIMBAD-RC is a remotely-controlled very short range naval air defense system that provides highly efficient capacities against a wide range of threats, from combat aircraft through anti-ship missiles to UAVs.
The system is easy to install and thus provides small units or support vessels with a true self-defense capacity or can even ensure reinforced defense for the other types of surface vessels. Each turret supports two ready-to-fire Mistral missiles. The turret is remotely operated, allowing the operator to remain undercover in the vessel’s operation center, thereby ensuring longer operational availability in case of a combat alert. The latest version of Mistral is currently in service with the French armed forces.
“MBDA is constantly striving to help armed forces make optimum use of their investments in our products”, said MBDA CEO Antoine Bouvier. “The demonstration of the SIMBAD-RC Mistral combination against surface targets reflects our policy of giving our systems additional capacities to supplement those they were originally designed to provide.”