AKERON RCX50

A New Variant for the AKERON Family

AKERON is a unique family of fifth-generation tactical combat systems, meticulously engineered to conquer the intricacies of modern collaborative operations. With AKERON MP and AKERON LP delivering adaptable, multi-role capabilities across land, air, and naval platforms, the AKERON family now welcomes a new loitering munition: the AKERON RCX50.

This loitering munition offers unparalleled precision, robustness, and operator safety, while introducing persistent surveillance and strike capabilities. Featuring man-in-the-loop control and reversible engagement, the AKERON RCX50 minimises the risk of collateral damage and ensures maximum operator protection.

First deliveries in 2026, the AKERON RCX50, joins the portfolio of loitering munitions, illustrating MBDA’s pioneering development in the domain.

AKERON RCX50 is another testament to MBDA’s commitment to rapidly delivering high-performance capabilities that outmatch evolving threats and preserve strategic independence.

Loitering Munition Enhancing Tactical Operations

Designed to address the complexity of modern conflicts, the AKERON RCX50 stands out as a compact (~50cm), launcher-free loitering munition that can be rapidly deployed. Lightweight (~2kg), man-portable, and easy to operate, it combines reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities in one system, effectiveness at ranges of up to 10 km, and 40 minutes of operational autonomy. This enables operators to monitor, track, and engage stationary or fast-moving targets, including light armoured vehicles, with pinpoint accuracy. 

Similar to the AKERON missiles, the AKERON RCX50 enables beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) engagement, allowing forces to concentrate fires with discretion, thanks to a low-footprint radio-frequency data link system.  Operators can assure detection, identification, and generate target coordinates without direct visual contact, thereby protecting assets and boosting manoeuvrability.

Additionally, the AKERON RCX50’s engagement features allow last-second mission cancellation, making it a fully reversible safety, arming, and functioning system that allows secure recovery and reuse. The AKERON RCX50 represents a seamless convergence between loitering munitions and unmanned aerial systems, combining  lethality with reusability, valuable for tactical intelligence.

The AKERON RCX50’s resilience against communication jamming makes it a valuable asset even in GNSS-denied environments. Its programmable flight paths, persistent surveillance mode, click-and-track functionality, and automated emergency procedures further prove it to be invaluable in the modern battlefield ecosystem.

An Advanced Capability Enhancing Technological Superiority

With AKERON RCX50, MBDA not only expands the AKERON family but also places nations at the forefront of defence innovation. In a world demanding high-technology, precision weapons, and agile loitering systems, the AKERON RCX50 guarantees a sovereign edge. Its multi-domain versatility - from dismounted units to vehicles, naval platforms, and air assets - empowers armed forces to build integrated, nationally controlled operational chains free from external dependencies.

The AKERON RCX50’s smart architecture, robustness, and rapid deployment ensure operational adaptability and resilience, born out of lessons from recent conflicts. This capability fortifies national sovereignty in an increasingly contested environment and during high-intensity operations, empowering armed forces with unmatched agility and effectiveness.