ALTUS-LSA and MBDA have successfully conducted the first ejection firing trials of the KERVEROS tactical strike platform under its Phase 1 commercialization program.
The milestone testing took place on June 2nd at the NATO Missile Firing Installation test range in Crete, Greece. The campaign involved live ejection firings of inert AKERON MP missiles, up to Stage 1 ammunition, from the ATLAS 8 unmanned aerial system (UAS). The primary objective of the trials was to validate the operational functionality, integration, and overall performance of the complete weapon system configuration according to requirements jointly defined by both companies.
The successful trial results confirmed the maturity of the ATLAS 8 Heavy Lifter unmanned platform. During the firings, no flight stability issues or operational anomalies occurred during the launch or post-launch phases. Additionally, the system recorded no oscillatory behavior following missile ejection. Mitigation measures implemented after previous trials delivered enhanced performance characteristics and increased overall system robustness.
The KERVEROS unmanned aerial platform represents a next-generation tactical strike capability designed to provide armed forces with enhanced operational flexibility, rapid response, and increased survivability across complex modern battlefields. The system architecture supports operations in contested electromagnetic environments, incorporating advanced communications resilience and mission-critical safeguards to preserve operational continuity against electronic warfare threats designed to disrupt communications, navigation systems, and critical data links.
The integration of the AKERON MP missile provides operators with multiple engagement options to accommodate varying rules of engagement. Under the Pre-Launch Target Designation or “Fire & Forget” mode, operators can identify, verify, and designate intended targets using the platform’s sensor suite and mission systems prior to engagement, enabling informed decision-making and enhanced situational awareness. Alternatively, the “Man in the Loop” mode supports continued operator involvement post-launch, allowing mission commanders to retain engagement oversight and adapt to dynamic battlefield conditions.
The platform is designed to support both offensive and defensive missions against a broad range of target categories. These include main battle tanks, armored and mechanized vehicles, tactical terrestrial targets, fixed infrastructure, strategic installations, and naval or coastal assets, while also aiding defensive operations against asymmetric threats on land and at sea.
This achievement is the culmination of years of systematic research, development, testing, and validation reflecting the continuous evolution of the ATLAS family of systems. At the core of the system lies M3NTOR, ALTUS-LSA’s Command, Control, and Communications system, which integrates all operational assets into a unified operational picture to enable effective mission management and decision-making. This capability embodies ALTUS-LSA’s broader vision to drive market evolution, shape industry trends, and lead the transformation of the unmanned systems sector beyond standard unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing.
Looking ahead, ALTUS-LSA and MBDA plan to continue deepening their strategic partnership, with the next phase of the KERVEROS commercialization program expected to be announced in Autumn 2026.
