MBDA has successfully integrated its Mistral 3 air-to-air missile into the French Armed Forces’ Tigre Mk2 attack helicopter, significantly enhancing its ability to counter unmanned aerial threats. Building on the helicopter’s existing Mistral 2 weapon system, MBDA implemented software and technical upgrades that allow the aircraft to employ the latest Mistral 3 missile, featuring an imaging infrared seeker, improved resistance to countermeasures, and an engagement range of up to 8 kilometers.
The integration and live-fire trials were conducted by MBDA in partnership with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and the French Armed Forces, with the program completed within a compressed delivery timeline.
The fire-and-forget Mistral 3 missile is 1.88 meters long and carries a 3-kilogram warhead, reaching speeds of 930 meters per second. It can intercept low-flying aircraft at ranges between 500 meters and 8 kilometers and altitudes of up to 6,000 meters. In addition to helicopter deployment, the missile can also be launched from land and naval platforms.
The Airbus Helicopters Tigre Mk2 is an upgraded twin-engine reconnaissance and attack helicopter equipped with jam-resistant GPS, IFF Mode 5, and enhanced ballistic protection. Its armament includes a 30 mm Nexter M781 cannon, Hellfire missiles, Mistral missiles, and 68 mm rockets.
