- DSEI 2025: MBDA’s Akeron MBT-120 Brings Innovation to Global Tank Fleets
- Future of Tank Warfare: MBDA’s Akeron MBT-120 Designed for Survivability and Lethality
- MBDA Eyes Global Market with Akeron MBT-120 Non-Line-of-Sight Missile
By Sangeeta Saxena
Excel Centre, London. 12 September 2025. MBDA stand at DSEI London this year didn’t see an inch of empty space from day 1 and the exhibit which attracted major attention was an ammunition for the main battle tanks. At the show in Excel Centre, MBDA unveiled its Akeron MBT-120, a groundbreaking non-line-of-sight (NLOS) gun-launched missile designed for smoothbore 120mm tank guns. In this exclusive conversation with ADU, MBDA representatives shared how this innovative system is set to revolutionize modern tank warfare by offering unmatched firepower, survivability, and adaptability for NATO and global operators.
The MBDA official in-charge of Akeron MBT-120 told ADU exclusively, “ it’s a non-line-of-sight gun-launched missile that we are designing for smoothbore 120. As I’ve said, it’s non-line-of-sight and I think that’s the key point. Tanks have traditionally been limited to line-of-sight combat only, which restricts their lethality and survivability. What we’ve seen in Ukraine is tanks improvising non-line-of-sight attacks by blind firing airburst shells or using UAVs for spotting, but that’s very suboptimal. What we’re trying to do is create a new weapon to enable tanks to evolve into true non-line-of-sight warfighters and hunter-killers.”
The Akeron MBT-120, developed by MBDA, is a next-generation gun-launched missile designed specifically to enhance the capabilities of main battle tanks by providing a true non-line-of-sight (NLOS) strike option. Unlike conventional tank munitions that are restricted to direct line-of-sight engagements, the Akeron MBT-120 allows tanks to engage targets hidden behind terrain, buildings, or natural cover, thereby dramatically increasing both lethality and survivability on the battlefield. Fully fire-and-forget, the missile uses lock-on-after-launch technology, enabling crews to shoot and immediately manoeuvre without exposing themselves to counterfire.
He continued, “There are no definite links between the missiles in terms of construction or subsystems. It’s part of the Akeron family and shares the name due to the NLOS capability, but it’s a completely new product. The family is broad, and this missile represents a new addition rather than an evolution of an existing one.”
Compact and compatible with existing 120mm smoothbore tank guns, it requires no additional logistical burden and integrates seamlessly into current ammunition stowage systems. By combining long-range precision, adaptability, and reduced exposure risk, the Akeron MBT-120 represents a transformative leap in tank warfare, aligning with lessons drawn from modern conflicts such as Ukraine, where NLOS capability has become a battlefield necessity.
“We’re looking at a demonstration firing next year. That’s quite fast compared to traditional timelines. Our aim is to deliver a minimal deployable capability by 2027. As for manufacturing, no final decision has been made yet. It may be distributed depending on where the first customer is.”
It’s a rocket-propelled munition with IR seeker technology. It’s fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch, and provides tanks with the ability to engage targets without revealing their position. One of the key characteristics is that it matches the dimensions of existing ammunition. That means it can be transported, stored, and loaded easily without altering the tank’s appearance or logistical footprint. It’s designed to defeat highly survivable targets while giving tanks a true NLOS effect.
Explaining the stage of development at the moment, he stated, “It’s at a relatively low TRL, but the pace is rapid. We’re targeting a demonstration firing next year and pushing to mature the concept quickly.”
It is not difficult to guess that the potential market of the Akeron MBT-120 is large. There are about 30 sovereign users with relevant platforms. The UK is an obvious candidate, but so are Poland, Germany, Italy, Australia, Singapore, and many others. Because the missile conforms to NATO and global standards—120mm smoothbore—it can fit a wide range of tanks without major changes.”
And can MBDA make one for India, will it be the same? India operates platforms like the Arjun and upgraded T-90s, which could be candidates. If they’re 120mm smoothbore systems with programmable interfaces, integration is possible. Local manufacturing or Make in India options could also be explored. And the missile can be fitted on APCs as well. For example, on a CV-120 with a low-recoil 120mm gun, the same missile could be integrated with platform-specific modifications. The base product remains the same, but the integration pathway would be tailored.
The official confirmed that like all MBDA products, Akeron MBT-120 will be certified for extreme environments, from very high to very low temperatures. It will undergo rigorous trials to ensure operability in climatic extremes, whether desert heat or mountain cold. He reiterated, “it’s been an honour to launch Akeron MBT-120 at DSEI. It represents MBDA’s ambition to deliver high-volume, lower-cost, battle-ready innovations. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead.”
The Akeron MBT-120 marks a strategic leap in tank warfare, providing operators with true non-line-of-sight strike capability while ensuring survivability against modern threats. Designed for global adaptability—including potential integration into India’s platforms—this missile stands as a future cornerstone of land warfare. With its rapid development cycle and modular design, MBDA has positioned Akeron MBT-120 as both a technological innovation and a practical battlefield solution.
Compared to existing gun-launched munitions such as KONUS or LAHAT, the Akeron MBT-120 stands out for its non-line-of-sight capability, which is a significant departure from the traditional line-of-sight approach. Systems like KONUS may offer extended ranges of up to five kilometers, but they still require a direct line of sight to the target, limiting their effectiveness in complex, obstructed environments. Moreover, these older systems often rely on continuous laser designation, exposing the firing platform to detection and counterattack from enemy active protection systems, such as those found on tanks like the Russian T-90.
By contrast, Akeron MBT-120 eliminates this vulnerability with a fire-and-forget mechanism, removing the need for continuous target illumination. This feature ensures that tank crews can launch the missile from behind cover and immediately relocate, significantly enhancing battlefield survivability. With its seamless integration into NATO-standard 120mm smoothbore guns and modular design adaptable to future upgrades, the Akeron MBT-120 positions itself not merely as an incremental improvement, but as a revolutionary capability redefining the role of tanks in modern high-intensity warfare.
