MBDA signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Greek companies Miltech and Altus as part of its ‘R&D [research and development] Booster’ initiative in Greece on 6 February 2024.
MBDA’s ‘R&D Booster’ is a component of the strategic partnership agreement between France and Greece signed in 2021 and aims to develop long-term co-operation in Europe.
Together with Miltech and Altus, MBDA will collaborate on projects to develop systems based on the company’s Akeron MP medium-range multi-purpose missile.
The first stage of the partnership with Miltech concerns the development of an Akeron MP launch kit, which MBDA is now offering on the global market as an option for light automatic turrets fitted with low-calibre guns.
By joining forces with Altus, meanwhile, MBDA is seeking to develop a range of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with Akeron MP missiles. This co-operation will begin by validating the integration of Akeron MP missiles on Altus’ new Atlas 8 heavylift UAV.
MBDA CEO Eric Béranger was quoted as saying in a company press release, “These two new partnership agreements, signed in the framework of the strategic partnership between France and Greece, aim at developing long-term activities with the Hellenic defence industry. They cement the long-lasting relationship that exists between MBDA and Greece. They also demonstrate MBDA’s ability to foster, support and strengthen industrial co-operation in Europe: a value that is at the very core of MBDA’s DNA.”
These development projects complement existing co-operation initiatives in the fields of production, services and research and development. The aim of all of these projects and contracts is to strengthen ties between MBDA and the Hellenic defence-industrial base.
