In early May 2018, the French Army fired a combat version of the 5th generation land combat missile MMP on its firing range of Canjuers in the Alps at a remarkable range of over 5000 meters. Although the firing was executed in complex conditions (rain, gusts, at a ground altitude over 800 m and on a fleeting target with reduced signature), the missile hit the target right in its middle after a nominal flight. The MMP has been qualified in June 2016 by the French Army who has been operating the missile since November 2017.
MMP is the latest (fifth) generation land combat missile system designed for dismounted infantry as well as for integration on combat vehicles. Featuring both fire-and-forget and man-in-the-loop operation, network-enabled MMP also receives third party target designation for indirect firing scenarios. MMP’s design includes the growth potential necessary for a future family of missiles for modern land combat. MMP will replace the Milan and Javelin anti-tank missiles in service with the French Army and special forces from 2017. Taking into account the battle experience gained from recent conflicts in which the French Army has been engaged, MMP is a response to the demands that have been expressed in terms of required capabilities: firing from confined spaces, “fire-and-forget”, and self-guidance with a “man-in-the-loop” facility.
