MBDA unveiled the CVS302 Hoplite that is designed to supply an indirect precision attack capability for land and naval artillery. Excerpts of an interview with SP’s Aviation:

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): How was the show for you this year?

MBDA: The Paris Air Show 2013 was a successful one for MBDA with many high level delegations from around the world visiting our stand. We are of course leading a number of important cooperative programmes in Europe. So the show gave us the opportunity to discuss progress with those countries involved. MBDA is active in providing customers around the world with the latest in air, land and sea-guided weapons, so we also had a lot to show to the many overseas delegations that visited as well.

SP’s: What success stories were you able to conclude at the show and could you please share with us?

MBDA: Unlike Boeing and Airbus we do not announce major orders during such shows. Success for us is measured in the level of the delegations that visit our stand and the level of interest they show in our range of products. As you know, MBDA is the only company in the sector capable of meeting the guided weapon needs of all three armed forces, land, air and sea. With modularity becoming increasingly important, we were able to show that MBDA with missiles such as Mistral, Aster, Brimstone and Exocet, can offer highly relevant solutions across a range of platforms. Paris is of course an air show first and foremost, so we were also successful in showing how well we are positioned with the world’s leading air combat platforms such as the Rafale, Eurofighter and JSF F-35.

SP’s: Did the tricky weather disrupt or affect your business interactions during the show?

MBDA: The air show has always been associated with quirky weather. This year was certainly no exception. Business was not disrupted as such but of course hospitality in our chalet was affected when the inclement weather meant that the terrace could not be used by our guests.

SP’s: Can you indicate which specific innovations were introduced by your company at the show?

MBDA: Every year MBDA introduces a highly innovative Concept Visions project which considers the kind of guided weapon requirements that might be in place in 25 years’ time. This year we highlighted a new precision artillery solution called Hoplite. This solution envisages a total reshaping of the future battlefield with a weapon system featuring two missile variants capable of being launched from ships or land-based launchers and of striking a range of targets. Significantly, Hoplite will be able to operate in complex scenarios where the air space might be cluttered and where the intended target is close to non-military assets or personnel.

We also showed the Dual Mode Brimstone missile which as a result of its exceptionally successful deployment by the UK’s RAF in Libya and Afghanistan is of interest to many of our air force customers. In addition, during a press conference we explained how the millimetric wave radar version of this missile is being promoted as Brimstone Sea Spear, a solution for installation on vessels of varying sizes to defeat the emerging fast inshore attack craft (FIAC) threat with recent tests showing how effective it is in firing a salvo of missiles with just one button push.

With both the British and French Governments having expressed their desire to cooperate where possible to meet common defence needs, the FASGW/ANL model on the MBDA stand was a highlight. With its range of features including imaging infrared guidance and associated data-linking, allowing the operator to positively identify the target and maintain manin-the-loop control during the mission, this new 110-kg antiship weapon will provide an exceptional operational capability especially in the demanding complex littoral environment. In around 2015, this weapon should be entering service on the UK’s Wildcat and the French Panther naval helicopters. However, FASGW/ANL is suitable for a range of helicopters and so there was international interest as well during the show.

SP’s: Which programme of your company is the most innovative today and what kind of transformation will it bring for the market once available for potential users?

MBDA: As a technology leader, MBDA would consider that most of its products feature innovative capability solutions. If one looks for a single product that is way ahead in terms of its performance against comparable missiles either currently available or planned, then Meteor would have to be singled out. With its ‘no escape zone’ several times greater than that of any other beyond visual range missile (BVRAAM), Meteor will give the pilot an unbeatable advantage even if he is up against an aircraft with a superior performance to his own. With its throttleable ramjet propulsion system, Meteor is able to ensure that it has maximum speed and hence agility right through to the end game at the furthest extent of its range.

SP’s: Which part of the world looks like the most promising market at this point of time and why?

MBDA: India remains one of our most important markets. We have a long history with the country and we are looking to develop partnerships at an ever deeper level throughout its defence industry sector, both public and private. In fact Asia as a region is recognised as a major growth sector in terms of future defence spending. We have a global customer base and currently there are quite a few countries that are looking to upgrade the operational capabilities of their ships or aircraft, or acquire new platforms altogether. This is of course where our opportunities lie as MBDA weapons are in many cases able to offer capabilities unmatched by our competitors. Here we can mention Meteor for unbeatable BVRAAM, advanced short-range air-to-air missile (ASRAAM) and MICA for a wide range of air-to-air combat roles, Taurus and Storm Shadow/SCALP for high precision long-range strike as well as a range of surface-to-air weapon systems that prove our technology mastery in this very important domain.