Tiger Test Clears Way for PARS 3 Missile Production

MBDA and Diehl BGT Defence have completed a firing campaign intended to prove the ability of their PARS 3 LR long-range air-to-surface missile to hit targets moving in a complex urban environment.

Conducted at Germany's Meppen test range on 20 September using a Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter, the test firings culminated with the successful engagement of a tank moving between two houses. The missile scored a "direct hit" from a range of around 1.6nm (3km), the companies say.

"The tests confirm that PARS 3 LR completely fulfils the specified system performance requirements under operational conditions," MBDA says. Diehl produces the infrared seeker for the weapon, which MBDA says has a maximum range of 3.8nm.

Following the receipt of approval from their German army customer, the programme partners will launch full-scale production of the PARS 3 LR, with Berlin having signed a deal for 680 missiles with their Parsys joint venture.

MBDA says significant export interest also exists, with the type already being offered to meet Indian army requirements, in competition with Rafael's Spike ER.