MBDA Boosts MISTRAL ATLAS RC air defense capability with Spanish URO VAMTAC ST5 armored vehicle.

On 16 June 2025, MBDA France officially unveiled its MISTRAL ATLAS RC remotely-operated short-range air defense (SHORAD) system at the Paris Air Show 2025. This enhanced configuration integrates the MISTRAL 3 missile with a remote-controlled turret mounted on armored tactical vehicles such as the Spanish-made URO VAMTAC ST5. The system aims to deliver improved crew protection, rapid target engagement, and high operational mobility. According to MBDA’s official presentation, the MISTRAL ATLAS RC addresses growing requirements for automated, protected SHORAD capabilities suited to modern multi-threat environments. 
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Strategically, the MISTRAL ATLAS RC responds to current operational needs in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, where drone swarms, rotary threats, and low-altitude incursions have become frequent (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The URO VAMTAC ST5, manufactured by the Spanish company UROVESA, serves as a high-mobility tactical platform for the MISTRAL ATLAS RC configuration. Designed for versatility and rugged terrain, the ST5 features a 4×4 drivetrain, enhanced off-road capabilities, and a payload capacity of over 1.5 tons, enabling it to support the weight of turret systems, ammunition, and command equipment. Its modular architecture facilitates integration with a wide variety of weapon systems, communication suites, and mission modules. Used by the Spanish Armed Forces and several export customers, the ST5 provides a balance of protection, mobility, and adaptability, making it a suitable platform for SHORAD missions requiring both autonomy and deployability.

Technically, the MISTRAL ATLAS RC is equipped with a dual or quad launcher turret for the MISTRAL 3 missile, combined with advanced thermal imaging for all-weather, day-and-night engagement. The system allows 360° rotation, elevation from –10° to +55°, inertial navigation, and optional IFF integration. It is fully compatible with MBDA’s LICORNE C² command system, allowing remote operation by a two-person crew, automated aiming, and integrated system diagnostics. Its turret can also be adapted to other tactical platforms such as the Sherpa, Boxer, and Stryker, reinforcing its modular and interoperable design.

The ATLAS RC represents the latest evolution in MBDA’s MISTRAL-based SHORAD solutions, transitioning from manually operated systems to remote-controlled, vehicle-integrated configurations. Earlier variants were demonstrated at Eurosatory 2022 and FEINDEF 2023 in tele-operated versions, marking the system’s progression toward a mature, deployable configuration for mobile ground forces. The combination of automation and armored deployment aligns with broader SHORAD modernization trends across NATO, resembling U.S. Avenger upgrades and other systems seeking to reduce crew exposure and accelerate engagement cycles.

Operationally, the system offers clear advantages over legacy solutions. Its fire-and-forget MISTRAL 3 missile, with a range of up to 8 km, altitude coverage up to 6 km, Mach 2.7 speed, and a 96% kill probability, ensures high lethality against low-flying fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Its autonomous infrared seeker provides high resistance to jamming and decoys, outperforming alternatives such as Thales’ Starstreak MANPADS or Diehl’s IRIS-T SLS in certain mission profiles. The turret's remote-control capability allows engagement from within the vehicle or from a separate protected command post, reinforcing crew survivability.

Strategically, the MISTRAL ATLAS RC responds to current operational needs in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, where drone swarms, rotary threats, and low-altitude incursions have become frequent. Its rapid deployment capabilities and NATO interoperability enable integration into multi-layered air defense networks, particularly for forward-deployed or expeditionary units. As a non-U.S. origin SHORAD solution equipped with IFF and digital C2 capabilities, it also offers an appealing option for European and allied nations seeking greater industrial sovereignty and export flexibility.

The Paris Air Show 2025 unveiling of the MISTRAL ATLAS RC integrated on the URO VAMTAC ST5 underlines a broader shift in ground-based air defense: towards automated, networked, and protected systems adapted to contemporary low-altitude threats. By combining a proven missile, a versatile platform, and a fully remote-operated turret, MBDA offers a timely response to the changing demands of tactical air defense on the modern battlefield.