France, Cyprus, and Sweden have signed a framework agreement to jointly procure Akeron MP anti-tank missiles from European defense manufacturer MBDA.
The procurement could receive funding through the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. The arrangement is intended to lower acquisition costs, improve interoperability among the three countries, and allow other European nations to join.
Details on missile quantities, contract value, and delivery schedules remain undisclosed.
“This agreement marks a decisive step in pooling the defense capabilities of these three countries and illustrates their shared desire to combine their efforts to strengthen European sovereignty in defense matters,” the French arms procurement agency said in a press release.
Previous Akeron Agreements
France and Sweden had previously agreed to cooperate on joint studies, procurement, and development of the missile. In January 2024, Saab and MBDA also expanded their cooperation on anti-tank weapons, with the Akeron MP identified as an initial focus.
The latest agreement extends the joint procurement framework to Cyprus, which separately ordered 12 French-made Arquus Sherpa Station Wagon vehicles equipped with Akeron missile launchers for its National Guard in May 2025.
Stockholm also signed a contract with MBDA in 2025 for series deliveries of Akeron MP missiles to equip its armed forces.
Akeron MP
The Akeron MP is a fifth-generation, multi-role anti-tank guided missile developed by MBDA to engage heavily armored vehicles, fortified positions, and other ground targets. It can be operated by dismounted troops or integrated onto vehicles.
The missile uses a dual-band infrared and television seeker, along with a fiber-optic data link that allows operators to monitor its flight and adjust its trajectory. The link also supports retargeting and engagement aborts while the missile is in flight.
It supports both fire-and-forget and man-in-the-loop modes, with lock-on before launch and lock-on after launch functions.
Weighing approximately 15 kilograms (33 pounds), the missile has an operational range of more than 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). Its multipurpose tandem high-explosive anti-tank warhead can engage targets through direct or top-attack trajectories.