New tank fighters

On September 21, at the Defense Vehicles Dynamics show, MBDA presented its Land Precision Fire Family. It mainly revolves around two demonstrators; the Boxer armored vehicle from RBSL and the HMT 600 light vehicle from Supacat.

Both vehicles have been fitted by MBDA with a Brimstone anti-tank missile side launcher. They are intended to provide the British Army with mobile assets with tank countermeasures capability. They also have a salvo firing capability, all coordinated with the other launchers, to jointly destroy a large mass of enemy tanks.

MBDA preferred a transverse launch system as opposed to a vertical launch system to maximize the Brimstone's range. The aiming system on both vehicles is agile, allowing for direct (target is in the line of sight) or indirect (target is outside the field of view) engagement. Indirect targeting is enabled by the launcher's interoperability with various British but also allied reconnaissance systems.

A British Army concept

The Boxer is an 8x8 armored vehicle with the first models about to be delivered to the British Army. Conversely, the HMT600 is based on the Coyote, a 6x6 vehicle used by many special forces. In addition, in 2021, General Dynamics Land Systems and MBDA had already presented the new Ares Overwatch armoured vehicle equipped with two launchers comprising four Brimstone missiles. With these three platforms, MBDA can provide the British Army with an anti-tank capability while using the current and future vehicles of the British Army's two combat divisions (1st Division and 3rd Division) and the Light Forces. As the British Army is still rethinking itself, there is currently no concept of operations and employment of these capabilities, such as a possible air-transportable HMT600 Brimstone for airborne troops.

Notwithstanding, the British Army could eventually have a mobile anti-tank force capable of following all vehicle formations in order to protect them while being at a safe distance from enemy armored forces (standoff capability). It should be noted, however, that Ajax, the basic version of the Ares Overwatch, still includes some development issues and is not yet accepted within the British Army. However, an MBDA spokesperson confirmed to us that the Brimstone version of the vehicle is still an option for the British Army.

A new system for deep strikes

This is the second part of this announcement: MBDA has also developed a new missile, the Land Precision Strike (LPS). It is intended to enable artillery units to destroy high-value enemy vehicles in depth, whether they are mobile or not. It was developed to be fired from the British M270 MLRS multiple rocket launchers. MBDA also offers the option of firing it from a Boxer vehicle or an RMMV HX 8x8 truck. It should be noted, however, that the LPS missile is in no way designed for area damage like the HIMARS and M270 GMLRS rockets that the Ukrainians currently use: it would be a "One Shot-One kill" weapon.

A word about the Brimstone

This 50-kilogram missile uses two sensors: an extremely high-frequency (EHF) radar or a sensor for laser guidance. It should be noted that in a need for very high accuracy, the two sensors can work in concert; the semi-active laser sensor guides the missile to the area where the target is located and then lets the EHF sensor take the end of the flight phase to the target.

From the beginning of its development, the Brimstone is a missile designed by MBDA according to the concept of "one missile, several platforms". This reduces the logistics required while maintaining a first-class missile. It is designed for engagement in a limited scenario (low collateral damage) or in the middle of a battlefield. As stated at the beginning of this article, it is an anti-tank missile but its range is still classified.

Thanks to MBDA for the informations that enabled this article to be written.