Euronaval 2024 – Naval Group unveils the multipurpose modular launcher system (MPLS)

Thinking out of the box and beyond the standard logic of “one launcher for one type of weapon”, to face multifaceted and asymmetrical warfare threats and scenarios, Naval Group unveils at Euronaval 2024, the Multi Purpose modular Launcher System (MPLS)

Truly representative of breakthrough technology, according to Naval Group, the MPLS is capable of deploying several vectors while accommodating an unprecedented payload and offering simplified onboard integration. Being developed in partnership with experts from the French Navy and the French defence procurement agency (DGA) this new type of multipurpose launcher will be fully modular, allowing not to change the type of munitions at sea but also to embed several type of munitions such as rockets, missiles, grenades, underwater weapons, decoys, drones, and loitering munitions thanks to its interchangeable munition modules technology.

The MPLS is composed of a two-axis trainable turret with a total loaded mass of less than 3.5 tonnes and characterized by a launcher with four interchangeable munitions modules accommodating a 1,000 kg payload, and offering simplified onboard integration. Fully stabilized in elevation and azimuth, the MPLS has a -20°/+60° elevation range. Its architecture makes the interchangeable munition modules compatible with different pneumatic or pyrotechnic ammunition ejection modes; the launcher is characterized by combustion jets deflectors located at the rear to prevent damages to light structures such as sensors and communication antennas. The MPLS is equipped with a system facilitating the reload at quayside and at sea, no more details being released by Naval Group. The turret has an integrated electro-optical fire control system (EO FCS) and advanced firing computer, enabling it to track and engage moving targets using different effectors. It can function either in autonomous mode or connected to the combat system. A ship can have one or more MPLS turrets that can combine different weapons configurations, depending on operational needs.

The MPLS has been developed to cope with the latest worldwide naval forces needs, which require, among others, quick and cost-effective integration of a new range of munitions to respond proportionately to the cost of threats, and easy onboard integration (pyrotechnics, environment, mass).

Each munition module can accommodate a range of munitions and decoys including, according to released videos and the presented model, 68 and 70 mm rockets, surface-to-surface missiles such as Thales LMM (Lightweight Multirole Missile) or MBDA Akeron MP, as well as MBDA Mistral 3 surface-to-air missiles. Future capabilities include anti-torpedo (CANTO) or anti-air decoys, loitering munitions and underwater charges.  According to the model seen at Euronaval and to information provided by Naval Group, one module will be able to host up to 22 68 mm rockets or four surface-to-surface missiles. The system being still in the final development phase, the number of other weapons available in each module seems to be not yet defined.

During Euronaval 2024, Naval Group inked agreements with Thales, to integrate 70 mm and 68 mm rockets as well as the LMM, and KNDS, to integrate a range of innovative remote controlled ammunitions, and announced that work has begun with MBDA for the integration of Mistral and Akeron MP families of missiles.

According to Naval Group, the current focus is on modularity and ammunition integration, namely rockets and missiles, as well as on the development of the complete firing unit and hardware, the French shipbuilder having conducted the first successful land-based firing trial in September 2024 with 70 mm rockets produced by Thales at the latter Herstal facilities in Belgium. Being a quick development programme, the first full-system land-based firing trials are planned for 2025, while at sea trials are expected start in early 2026. Production should then start in 2027.

In addition to be reconfigured depending on the needs of a given mission, according to Naval Group, its modularity will also facilitate incremental upgrades when adding future capabilities, at controlled costs and within controlled lead times.

Images courtesy Naval Group