France conducted the fourth firing of the Akeron LP multi-role guided missile from a Tiger attack helicopter. The test took place on September 25 at the DGA Essais en Vol test site in Cazaux and marked another step toward integrating the missile with the upgraded Tiger MkIII.
During the test, the missile’s guidance system was activated before launch. The Akeron LP acquired the designated target in Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) mode and then safely separated from the helicopter despite aerodynamic disturbances caused by the helicopter’s rotors and flight.
The test therefore combined three elements in a single sequence: pre-launch target imaging, separation of the missile from the Tiger, and subsequent engagement of the designated target. The Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) mode using data from a third-party source was not tested during this firing.
The Akeron LP is being developed under the MAST-F program managed by OCCAR. The missile weighs 35 kg and is equipped with a tandem warhead and a bidirectional radio-frequency data link. Its stated range when launched from a helicopter is up to 12 km.
The system supports both LOBL and LOAL modes, fire-and-forget operation, and operator control after launch. Its seeker combines semi-active laser, television and infrared channels.
The MAST-F program calls for the production of 500 missiles, 100 modular launchers and 27 training simulators. Initial Akeron LP deliveries are scheduled for 2028. The missile is intended to replace the Hellfire II on French Tiger attack helicopters.
The fourth firing was the latest stage in a series of tests conducted in 2025–2026. According to OCCAR, it brought the program closer to further integration of the Akeron LP with the Tiger MkIII.
