MBDA has signed a contract with IAR Brasov to support the integration of the Marte ER onto a maritime helicopter platform for the Romanian Naval Forces, based on the Airbus H215M platform. Thanks to its excellent performance, Marte ER will provide a state-of-the-art capability to carry out anti-surface warfare missions, allowing the Romanian Navy to protect Romania sovereign interests in the most efficient way. This contract marks a major step of co-operation between MBDA and the Romanian Armed Forces. MBDA will work in partnership with IAR Brasov and Airbus as well as with the other partners involved to achieve the integration of Marte ER and a full integration at the mission system level.
Arnaud Rousset, Vice-President Europe at MBDA, said: “As the European leader in complex weapon systems, MBDA is the best suited to tackle the challenges faced in Europe by reinforcing European decisive defence capabilities. We are proud to contribute to the Romanian Armed Forces’ strategic autonomy and we will continue to act as a trusted partner by offering a comprehensive portfolio adapted to their current and future needs.”
This contract is a new success for the multiplatform Marte family of missiles, which is already integrated on a number of platforms for the Italian Armed Forces and several export customers. Marte ER represents the latest generation of the family; it is designed to operate in all weather conditions and to deliver its highly effective lethal effect at ranges over 100km. It features a highly flexible mission profile allowing for automatic and manual waypoints, salvo firing and attacks on land co-ordinates, with specific methods of countering ships’ hard and soft-kill defences.
Marte ER is a sea-skimming, high subsonic anti-ship and land attack missile. Turbojet engine Williams WR WJ-24-8G extends range to over 100 km, total weight of 340 kilograms, first tested in 9 November 2018. The missile is fire-and-forget capable and designed to operates in all weather conditions. The Eurofighter Typhoon can carries up to 6 Marte ER anti-ship missiles. Marte was initially developed during the 1960s and has been deployed by at least six countries. The early development of the system is known as Sea Killer. Marte is a sea skimming, subsonic, anti-ship missile, it carries a 70 kilograms (150 lb) semi-armour piercing warhead. It has been built in several versions, with differing guidance systems, and is suitable for launching from ships or aircraft.
