Euronaval 2024: Safran shows hybrid NGDS with Mistral 3

This 3D model shows Safran's proposed a hybrid NGDS concept configured with up to eight Mistral 3 missiles and six decoy munitions. (Safran)

Safran Electronics & Defense has unveiled a hybrid version of its NGDS (New Generation Dagaie System) trainable decoy launcher configured to fire both hard-kill and soft-kill munitions.

Displayed for the first time at Euronaval 2024, the proposed variant offers the ability to fire MBDA Mistral 3 infrared (IR)-homing very short-range air-defence (VSHORAD) missiles alongside standard decoy rockets.

Already in service with the French Navy and a number of international naval forces, the stabilised two-axis NGDS launcher consists of a trainable mounting and an elevating firing table atop which a multibarrel ammunition module is fitted. The original 12-round launcher system developed for the French Navy features four triple launch barrels sized for Lacroix Defense 150 mm calibre SEALEM (radio frequency) and SEALIR (IR) decoys.

Safran has subsequently introduced modified NGDS barrel module configurations to meet specific customer needs. For example, a configuration D variant introduces new130 mm barrel modules on the firing table, which can fire both mortar-fired and rocket-propelled NATO-standard 130 mm decoy rounds.

According to Pierre-Olivier Nouguès, Safran's senior vice-president naval sales, the concept of a hybrid NGDS mixing both missiles and decoys is a self-funded initiative for a ‘small footprint' solution to defend against saturation attacks. “Owing to the needs to have several different types of ammunition, but at the same time limit the number of launchers on the ship, we have studied adapting the launcher with up to eight Mistral 3 missiles in addition to six large soft-kill munitions,” he said. “The preliminary work we've been doing with MBDA has been [focused] on Mistral [because] we are familiar with the earlier Tetral and Sadral launchers.”