The Spanish Navy is enhancing its defense against aerial and missile threats by procuring three SIMBAD-RC systems from MBDA under a signed framework agreement.
Based on MBDA’s MISTRAL short-range air defense missile, the remotely controlled SIMBAD-RC acts as a primary self-defense shield for warships or provides a complementary layer of anti-missile and anti-aircraft protection for naval vessels.
“This first direct agreement with the Spanish Navy is a historic milestone for MBDA. It demonstrates our growing footprint and long-term commitment to Spain,” said company CEO Eric Béranger.
“By delivering critical defense capabilities, we are enhancing fleet security and building a strategic partnership based on innovation and cooperation with the Spanish defense industry.”
SIMBAD-RC
SIMBAD-RC is designed for easy operation, as its light footprint enables adaptation to different surface platforms, is controllable by a single operator, and can conform to different combat system capabilities.
It can operate in all weather conditions and high sea states, according to MBDA.
The system can operate one or two 480-kilogram (1,058-pound) turrets equipped with a double field-of-view thermal sight, an inertial measurement unit for stabilization, and an autonomous tracking system.
Loaded with two MISTRAL missiles, the SIMBAD-RC can strike against a wide range of threats, including low-flying aircraft, anti-ship and sea-skimming missiles, and small surface craft.
