MBDA has unveiled a ship self-protection module to equip ships of all types, and particularly those without a combat system.

Known as Self-Protection Integrated Mistral Module (SPIMM), the all-in-one air defence module is based on the SIMBAD-RC system. It was unveiled at the ongoing naval defence and maritime security exhibition Navdex 2019 event in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The ship self-protection module features a SIMBAD-RC automated naval turret that is equipped with two ready-to-fire Mistral missiles.

In addition, the turret contains a 360° infrared panoramic system that is designed to detect and track air and surface threats.

Two operators stationed in a shelter inside the module will control the system. The 10ft-long, 7t module also has storage space to hold four additional missiles.



According to MBDA, the SPIMM module can be placed on the deck of a ship.

“The SPIMM enables the urgent and rapid adaptation of supply vessels or landing platform docks to cope with new threats, or for using them in contested areas.”

MBDA Naval Defence Systems product executive Christophe Leduc said: “The SPIMM enables the urgent and rapid adaptation of supply vessels or landing platform docks to cope with new threats, or for using them in contested areas.

“This system illustrates MBDA’s ability to understand its customers’ needs and to quickly come up with effective and functional solutions.”

The SIMBAD-RC and Mistral are capable of offering protection to surface vessels against conventional airborne threats such as anti-ship missiles, combat aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Last month, the company announced that it demonstrated Mistral’s ability to neutralise asymmetric threats such as Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC).

The demonstration included the SIMBAD-RC firing from the land against a fast-moving remotely-controlled semi-rigid boat more than 3km off the coast.