MBDA Germany demonstrates a long-range modular system

5 June, 2024 Mockup of the JFS-M cruise missile during the ILA2024 defense exhibition in Berlin. Photo credits: RID The German company MBDA Germany has demonstrated a modular transport and launch container for launching JFS-M cruise missiles.

Clemens Speer, an observer of the German Armed Forces, reported on this. The JFS-M was demonstrated in a transport and launch container mounted on a EuroPULS wheeled multiple launch rocket system. The missile is being developed within the program to develop a low-cost, long-range missile for use with the Puls MLRS, the US M270, and HIMARS.

The developed transport and launch container is designed for two missiles. In turn, two TLCs are capable of carrying up to 4 JFS-M missiles.

The JFS-M cruise missile mounted on the EuroPULS air defense system during the ILA2024 defense exhibition. Photo credits: Clemens Speer

The missile is being developed as part of the German BatCat program, which was launched in 2012 and was intended to improve the capabilities of German artillery.

The main requirements during development were to keep the product's price low, make it modular so that it could be used with existing multiple-launch rocket systems, and have a long range. Since then, the program has been partially suspended due to a lack of funding and certain goals. Already in March 2021, the German Ministry of Defense launched the program again, with MBDA Germany as the main developer.

The developed missile was equipped with a turbojet engine, which ensured a maximum flight speed of up to 1000 km/h and a maximum flight range of up to 500 km. The missile is guided by an infrared camera and GPS.

The missile's combat weight is 300 kg, of which 80 kg is the warhead. In addition to MBDA Germany, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and ESG Elektroniksystem-und Logistik-GmbH (ESG) participated in the development. In addition to being used as a strike cruise missile, MBDA is also developing missiles based on the missile for reconnaissance (decoy missile), active and passive electronic warfare, and a training version.

Militarnyi previously reported that France and Germany are considering strengthening cooperation in the development of long-range weapons.

This cooperation should strengthen Europe's defense capabilities to counter potential Russian aggression and provide European countries with the ability to strike in the enemy's far rear.