Awaiting RfI from Bundeswehr
MBDA was promoting its ENFORCER shoulder-launched weapon system at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa, Florida as a cheaper alternative to more expensive anti-tank guided munitions.
Speaking to MONCh at the event on 23rd May, MBDA’s Head of Future Battlefield Weapons, Stephen Scott described how the ENFORCER remained in development although it would likely be qualified by the end of 2019.
The most recent live fire tests were conducted in November 2017 against static targets. A next phase is expected to test ENFORCER’s capability to engage moving targets, the industry expert confirmed.
MBDA is awaiting Request for Information from the German Armed Forces regarding a requirement for such a capability, with Mr. Scott suggesting to MONCh that this is expected later in the year.
“ENFORCER responds to the anticipated evolution of the complexity of military operations and scenarios, providing superior range and effect compared to heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers,” company literature explained.
The weapon, which can be operated in confined spaces, is designed to be carried by an individual operator with a typical load-out of launcher, Dynamit Nobel Defence’s (DND) Wirkmittel 90 sight and two munitions comprising a total weight of less than 20 kilogrammes. Each munition weighs 7kg and Mr. Scott confirmed the launcher could be integrated with any type of fire control system.
However, Mr. Scott explained to MONCh how MBDA was now considering additional configurations and applications for the weapon system including integration on board air, ground and maritime platforms.
Options include tactical unmanned aerial systems and surface vessels to support counter-fast inland attack craft threats. MBDA’s platform-mounted concept could, “envision twin- or quad-packed ENFORCER munition launchers which could either be ‘snapped on’ board platforms or integrated into larger remote weapon stations,” Mr. Scott explained.
