Breaking News: French Akeron LP Missile has been successfully test-fired from the Tiger helicopter for the very first time
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On March 19, 2025, OCCAR announced the first successful test-firing of the French Akeron LP Missile (developed under MAST-F program) from the Tiger helicopter at the DGA’s trial center in Cazaux, France. This achievement marks yet another milestone for OCCAR, following the successful trial of the Akeron LP at the DGA’s French Firing Center earlier in February 2025. The integration of the Akeron LP on the Tiger helicopter is set to replace the Hellfire II missile, enhancing the Tiger’s air-to-ground capabilities to meet the demands of future ground battlefield scenarios. This trial aimed to evaluate missile behavior and ensure safe separation amid helicopter disturbances.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Compared to the Hellfire II missile, the Akeron LP offers a more versatile platform with its improved range, multi-target engagement capability, and integration with various platforms, including helicopters and ground units. (Picture source: DGA)
The Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR) plays a pivotal role in the collaborative development of advanced military technologies, including the MAST-F (Missile Air-Sol Tactique Futur). This program seeks to develop a new generation of air-to-ground missiles, with the Akeron LP missile emerging as a key product. The Akeron LP represents a significant leap forward in tactical missile systems, designed to provide versatility, precision, and enhanced operational capabilities in both conventional and asymmetric warfare contexts. The growing military budgets in various countries, especially in Europe, reflect an increased focus on modernizing defense systems, with the Akeron LP missile playing a central role in achieving superior deterrence and combat effectiveness.
When comparing the Hellfire II missile to the Akeron LP, notable differences emerge in terms of range, warhead capabilities, and target acquisition systems. The Hellfire II, widely used by NATO forces, is a proven missile designed for precision strikes against tanks and other high-value targets. However, the Akeron LP offers a more versatile platform with its improved range, multi-target engagement capability, and integration with various platforms, including helicopters and ground units. The Akeron LP also introduces a more sophisticated guidance system, enabling greater operational flexibility and more accurate targeting in complex environments. These advantages make the Akeron LP a highly competitive alternative to legacy systems like the Hellfire II in modern warfare scenarios.
Geostrategically, the development and deployment of advanced air-to-ground missiles like the Akeron LP have significant implications, particularly in the context of current geopolitical tensions. In regions such as Eastern Europe, where recent events in Ukraine have reshaped military priorities, the Akeron LP enhances the capabilities of platforms like the Tiger helicopter, providing superior penetration power against potential adversaries. As seen in the Ukrainian conflict, the modern battlefield demands high-precision, long-range weapons capable of striking hard-to-reach targets in both open and urban terrains. The Akeron LP, with its enhanced capabilities, prepares armed forces for the evolving challenges of future conflicts, offering greater flexibility in countering increasingly sophisticated enemy air defense systems. This missile’s capabilities will be crucial for shaping the future of ground-based warfare in both defensive and offensive operations.
The successful test-firing of the Akeron LP missile from the Tiger helicopter marks a key milestone in advancing air-to-ground missile technology. With improved range, versatility, and precision, the Akeron LP outperforms legacy systems like the Hellfire II, making it a valuable asset for modern military forces. Its deployment supports ongoing defense modernization efforts, particularly in regions with heightened geopolitical tensions. Current and upcoming Tiger helicopter operators, including France, Germany, Spain, and Australia, will benefit from the Akeron LP’s enhanced capabilities, which will provide greater operational flexibility and effectiveness in future combat scenarios.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On March 19, 2025, OCCAR announced the first successful test-firing of the French Akeron LP Missile (developed under MAST-F program) from the Tiger helicopter at the DGA’s trial center in Cazaux, France. This achievement marks yet another milestone for OCCAR, following the successful trial of the Akeron LP at the DGA’s French Firing Center earlier in February 2025. The integration of the Akeron LP on the Tiger helicopter is set to replace the Hellfire II missile, enhancing the Tiger’s air-to-ground capabilities to meet the demands of future ground battlefield scenarios. This trial aimed to evaluate missile behavior and ensure safe separation amid helicopter disturbances.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Compared to the Hellfire II missile, the Akeron LP offers a more versatile platform with its improved range, multi-target engagement capability, and integration with various platforms, including helicopters and ground units. (Picture source: DGA)
The Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR) plays a pivotal role in the collaborative development of advanced military technologies, including the MAST-F (Missile Air-Sol Tactique Futur). This program seeks to develop a new generation of air-to-ground missiles, with the Akeron LP missile emerging as a key product. The Akeron LP represents a significant leap forward in tactical missile systems, designed to provide versatility, precision, and enhanced operational capabilities in both conventional and asymmetric warfare contexts. The growing military budgets in various countries, especially in Europe, reflect an increased focus on modernizing defense systems, with the Akeron LP missile playing a central role in achieving superior deterrence and combat effectiveness.
When comparing the Hellfire II missile to the Akeron LP, notable differences emerge in terms of range, warhead capabilities, and target acquisition systems. The Hellfire II, widely used by NATO forces, is a proven missile designed for precision strikes against tanks and other high-value targets. However, the Akeron LP offers a more versatile platform with its improved range, multi-target engagement capability, and integration with various platforms, including helicopters and ground units. The Akeron LP also introduces a more sophisticated guidance system, enabling greater operational flexibility and more accurate targeting in complex environments. These advantages make the Akeron LP a highly competitive alternative to legacy systems like the Hellfire II in modern warfare scenarios.
Geostrategically, the development and deployment of advanced air-to-ground missiles like the Akeron LP have significant implications, particularly in the context of current geopolitical tensions. In regions such as Eastern Europe, where recent events in Ukraine have reshaped military priorities, the Akeron LP enhances the capabilities of platforms like the Tiger helicopter, providing superior penetration power against potential adversaries. As seen in the Ukrainian conflict, the modern battlefield demands high-precision, long-range weapons capable of striking hard-to-reach targets in both open and urban terrains. The Akeron LP, with its enhanced capabilities, prepares armed forces for the evolving challenges of future conflicts, offering greater flexibility in countering increasingly sophisticated enemy air defense systems. This missile’s capabilities will be crucial for shaping the future of ground-based warfare in both defensive and offensive operations.
The successful test-firing of the Akeron LP missile from the Tiger helicopter marks a key milestone in advancing air-to-ground missile technology. With improved range, versatility, and precision, the Akeron LP outperforms legacy systems like the Hellfire II, making it a valuable asset for modern military forces. Its deployment supports ongoing defense modernization efforts, particularly in regions with heightened geopolitical tensions. Current and upcoming Tiger helicopter operators, including France, Germany, Spain, and Australia, will benefit from the Akeron LP’s enhanced capabilities, which will provide greater operational flexibility and effectiveness in future combat scenarios.
