November 4, 2024: MBDA introduces new SIMBAD-RC Models, including the four-shot SIMBAD-RC4
The European Defense Manufacturer "Matra-BAe Dynamics-Alenia (MBDA)" has updated their SIMBAD-Remote Control (RC) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System to the new SIMBAD-RC2 and SIMBAD-RC4 Versions which will be ready by 2027.
The main Difference with these new Models is that they are made to be exempted from the United States’ (US) “International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)” Law, meaning that the US won’t be able to withhold Parts and even Services from any Country that buys them, so good thinking on the Part of MBDA.
The SIMBAD-RC2 will carry two Mistral 3 Missiles and weigh around 500 kg while the bulkier SIMBAD-RC4 will carry four such Missiles and weigh around 800 kg.
The Jose-Rizal class Guided Missile Frigates and the six upcoming Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) are armed with two of the current SIMBAD-RC Weapons for each Ship, so these new Products is something that the Philippine Navy (PN) could consider when building future Vessels.
Here is the Link to the European Defense Review (EDR) On-Line Website: https://www.edrmagazine.eu/mbda-unveils-new-simbad-rc-2-and-4
June 20, 2024: Five Countries in Europe to jointly acquire the Mistral 3 Missile System
Five European Countries, namely France, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia and Hungary, recently signed an Agreement to jointly acquire the Mistral 3 Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System. The Mistral 3 is also being used by the SIMBAD-Remote Control (RC) SAM System onboard the two Jose Rizal class Guided Missile Frigates of the Philippine Navy (PN).
The Mistral 3 uses an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Guidance System allowing it to be only aimed initially by the Operator and once it is launched, it will home in by itself towards the Target. It has a Range of up to 8 km, and can maneuver up to 30Gs. Each Jose Rizal Frigate has two Simbad-RC Launchers, and each Launcher has two Missiles that are ready to fire.
Here is the Link to the Article at the ADVANCE Website: https://www.adsadvance.co.uk/europe-advances-on-the-joint-acquisition-of-mistral-3.html