Euronaval 2024: MBDA Advances Development of Next-Generation MARTE Mobile Coastal Defence Missile System.

At Euronaval 2024 in Paris, MBDA highlighted its MARTE Mobile Coastal Defence System (MCDS), a new-generation missile defense system that enhances national coastal security with versatile deployment options and cutting-edge missile technology. Designed to counter maritime threats in littoral and strategic zones like ports, energy facilities, and other sensitive coastal assets, the MARTE MCDS is tailored to provide agile, autonomous, and reliable defense for countries seeking advanced coastal protection solutions.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

A scale model of the MBDA MARTE Mobile Coastal Defence System (MCDS) on display at Euronaval 2024 in Paris, showcasing the system’s mobile sensor, control, and firing units designed to provide rapid and flexible coastal protection against maritime threats. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The MARTE MCDS (Mobile Coastal Defense System) is based on MBDA’s MARTE ER missile, an extended-range member of the company’s anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missile family. The MARTE ER is designed to engage a wide range of targets, with a high subsonic speed and an impressive operational range exceeding 100 kilometers. Equipped with a precision INS/GPS-assisted navigation system, the MARTE ER offers advanced 3D waypoint guidance, allowing it to execute complex flight paths and deliver terminal attacks from various angles. The missile’s sophisticated radar seeker provides accurate, GPS-level precision, essential for targeting coastal and littoral environments.

In terms of structure, the MARTE MCDS comprises several mobile units that work in concert to form a cohesive and responsive defense network. The Mobile Sensor Unit (MSU) is an unmanned, highly portable detection module outfitted with radar and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems that can autonomously track and identify threats. The MSU connects to the Mobile Control Unit (MCU) via a fiber-optic link, transmitting high-throughput data for real-time target assessment and monitoring.

The Mobile Control Unit (MCU) is the central command point where operators manage the system’s surveillance and firing protocols. From this unit, operators can oversee the surface picture, handle sensor data, and control the engagement process. The MCU is equipped with a suite of communication technologies, including radio and fiber-optic links, enabling it to maintain connectivity with other units, higher-echelon command structures, and coastal surveillance systems.

The system’s firepower is concentrated in its Mobile Firing Units (MFUs), each equipped with launchers that house four MARTE ER missiles. These units are designed for high mobility and can be rapidly deployed and relocated along coastal areas as defense needs shift. The MCDS architecture also allows for a flexible number of MFUs, meaning countries can scale their deployment based on the extent of their coastline and specific defense requirements.

One of the standout features of the MARTE MCDS is its capacity for integration with a variety of external data sources and command-and-control structures. The system can interface with UAVs for expanded surveillance coverage and supports standard Tactical Data Links (TDLs) and SATCOM connections, enabling seamless connectivity with national coastal surveillance networks. This interoperability allows the MARTE MCDS to function independently or as a vital component within larger coastal defense systems.

From an operational perspective, the MARTE MCDS excels in multi-target engagement, adverse weather performance, and precision targeting, addressing a broad spectrum of maritime threats with advanced penetration capabilities against enemy defenses. The MARTE ER missile’s sea-skimming capability provides an additional tactical advantage by enabling the missile to fly at low altitudes, reducing radar visibility and enhancing survivability in contested environments. Furthermore, the MARTE ER’s mission planning software automatically computes optimal engagement plans, supporting operators in making quick and effective firing decisions.

MBDA’s MARTE MCDS brings significant strategic advantages to coastal defense, combining high mobility, autonomous functionality, and robust network integration into a scalable defense system. By enhancing the ability to monitor and defend extensive coastal regions against diverse maritime threats, the MARTE MCDS marks a pivotal advancement in coastal defense technology, as demonstrated by MBDA’s comprehensive showcase at Euronaval 2024. The system reinforces MBDA’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art defense solutions that safeguard national sovereignty and meet the evolving security needs of coastal nations.

In an era marked by complex maritime security challenges and increasing geopolitical tensions, coastal missile defense systems like the MARTE MCDS are essential assets for modern military forces. They provide countries with critical capabilities to protect their coastal and littoral zones from a range of seaborne threats, safeguarding national sovereignty and vital infrastructure. These systems offer a versatile, scalable solution for immediate and effective response to emerging threats by enabling rapid deployment, autonomous operations, and integration within larger defense networks. As nations continue to fortify their maritime boundaries, advanced coastal missile defense systems are becoming indispensable for maintaining security, stability, and operational readiness in increasingly contested waters.