Airbus Studying Akeron Missile Armament Options For French H160M

Airbus is studying integration of MBDA's Akeron LP missile onto the French armed forces' H160M Guepard helicopter under authorization from the DGA procurement agency. The work examines a future air-to-ground and anti-surface weapon option for the multirole aircraft being developed for France's Army, Navy and Air and Space Force. The H160M design includes weapon pylons and structural provisions for additional missiles and remotely operated munitions, providing space for future armament development. The Akeron activity remains an integration study, with no announced missile procurement, clearance for operational use or confirmed fielding schedule.