MBDA has received a contract from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the integration of the Mistral ATAM anti-air missile system on the Korean Marine Attack Helicopter (KMAH).

Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA said: “We are proud to be partnered again with Korea Aerospace Industries to arm a Korean military aircraft. This contract cements Mistral ATAM’s place as a world’s leading helicopter launched anti-air missile system.”

Mistral ATAM is based on the Mistral short-range anti-air missile, known for its fire-and-forget engagement mode, ease of operation and unrivalled kill probability. The ATAM system includes two launchers per helicopter, each carrying two missiles. Man-portable Mistral air defence systems are also in-service with Republic of Korea’s Armed Forces.

MBDA is a world leader in missile systems, with over 60 years’ experience developing cutting-edge missiles in cross-border partnerships that makes the company a natural partner to accelerate domestic development programmes. MBDA and KAI are also working together to integrate the Meteor beyond visual range missile onto the KF-21 Boromae fighter aircraft.

 MISTRAL ATAM 

 MISTRAL ATAM is based on the MISTRAL missile with its fire-and-forget engagement mode, ease of operation and unrivalled kill probability. 

The system is based on two, twin launchers, each fitted either side of the helicopter and deploying a total of four ready-to-fire Mistral missiles. 

The weapon can be connected to the helicopter’s combat system when integrated onto a combat helicopter, or through simplified control equipment if installed on a multi-purpose helicopter. In both cases, it is characterised by simplicity of operation, a very low crew workload and a high level of performance. The system can be operated within the whole flight envelope of the launch helicopter, at speeds of up to 200 knots and at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet. 

MISTRAL ATAM ensures a large off-boresight capability, together with the ability to aim the missile seeker very precisely at a given target. The missile has a shaped trajectory in order to intercept targets top-down or at long range, the crew can also select the proximity fuze mode. 

MISTRAL ATAM is operated by the French Army Aviation on the Tiger attack helicopter.