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A3SM Underwater Vehicle Version:
The underwater vehicle version comprises a torpedo-like capsule (the VSM) containing a medium-range (20 km) Mica missile that is tube-launchable at any depth. The capsule is similar to the type developed for submarine-launched SM 39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, a proven system which exists for 35 years now. The missile is based on VL Mica (launched from surface vessels) which has already been procured by several navies. MICA covers Beyond Visual Range situations offering additionally 2 guidance systems with its 2 interoperable seekers:
• RF MICA with radar seeker providing all weather shoot-up / shoot down capability
• IR MICA with dual waveband imaging infrared seeker
VL Mica has a range of up to 20 Km and reaches speeds in excess of Mach 3. A3SM underwater vehicle version with Mica missile can be considered a medium range solution to be deployed when submerged.

For submarine launch, MBDA selected the IR version because of the characteristics of the threats: Helicopters and MPAs have low Doppler signature and IR is a better match against these types of targets. The 12 Kg warhead of the Mica guarantees a "full kill" capability against both types. Fitted with thrust vectoring, Mica has very high maneuverability (proven against anti-ship missiles) which leaves little to no escape opportunities for slow moving targets such as ASW helicopters and MPAs. The thrust vectoring of Mica allows it to be fired when the submarine is cruising away from the threat. In addition the VSM (torpedo-like capsule holding the Mica) is powered by a rocket engine and has the ability to maneuver underwater, meaning the Mica may attack its target from any angles and catch the helicopter or MPA crew off guard.

The VSM was adapted to provide the same launch environment as when a VL Mica is launched from a vertical launch system. All the other steps (launch from the submarine, underwater step, breach of the surface and air step) remain exactly the same as for the SM39 therefore are already validated. MBDA basically merged 2 existing concepts into a single one: SM39 + VL Mica. The only modifications are found inside the VSM. Some adaptation work was conducted to fir the Mica which is a smaller missile than Exocet. The other focus is behavior at the launch: Mica accelerates very quickly therefore exhaust gas management is different.

The mast version comprises a missile housing (that remains watertight throughout the submarine’s operating range and down to maximum diving depth) mounted on a hoistable mast and containing three short-range MBDA Mistral 2 missiles that can be fired from periscope depth. DCNS is in charge of developing the launching system. Mistral 2 is a lightweight, fully digital, heat seeking missile with a maximum range of 6.5 Km and maximum speed of Mach 2.5. An Infra-Red camera from SAGEM is fitted in the missile housing to act as optronic aiming sight. A3SM Mast version with Mistral missile can be considered a short range solution to be deployed from periscope depth.
A3SM mast version comes with a missile housing containing 3 Mistral missiles and an IR camera

A3SM Mast Version:
The mast version comprises a missile housing (that remains watertight throughout the submarine’s operating range and down to maximum diving depth) mounted on a hoistable mast and containing three short-range MBDA Mistral 2 missiles that can be fired from periscope depth. DCNS is in charge of developing the launching system. Mistral 2 is a lightweight, fully digital, heat seeking missile with a maximum range of 6.5 Km and maximum speed of Mach 2.5. An Infra-Red camera from SAGEM is fitted in the missile housing to act as optronic aiming sight. A3SM Mast version with Mistral missile can be considered a short range solution to be deployed from periscope depth.

Contrary to Mica missile, the Mistral requires to be locked on target before launch. The Mistral's homing guidance with an infra-red seeker is reported to be the best solution against helicopters and MPAs. A3SM mast version may shoot on the move and in any directions which is an important feature as reaction time is key for self defence. Thanks to its compact nature (less than 20 Kg, less than 2 meters) three Mistrals can be fitted in the mast. When back in port, the whole canister may be replaced by a new one. Loading of the Mistrals in the canister occur in a dedicated facility.

Mistral is fitted on most vessels of the French Navy, from the aircraft carrier to patrol boats. It has shown its capability against many types of targets: anti-ship missiles, helicopters and fast jets. MBDA has extensive experience integrating the Mistral on many platform and launchers (fixed, vehicles, helicopters, ships...) and see no difference in integrating the Mistral to the DCNS launcher. DCNS goal with the existing mast prototype is to qualify the movement of the canister

A3SM: A Game changer
DCNS and MBDA insist there is no missile development required as both missiles are already proven solution, which significantly reduces risk and cost. Both versions will be fully integrated with Subtics combat systems.

DCNS and MBDA already submitted offers to several potential customers and stand ready to finalize the development once they get a contract. They estimate it could take as little as 2 to 3 years between contract signature and IOC.

A3SM weapon systems for submarines can be considered a game changer because the rules of anti--submarine warfare are indeed about to change. While submarines will certainly not start conducting anti--helicopter or anti-MPAs patrols, they will soon have means to take action and defend themselves in case of absolute necessity while in the past ASW helicopters and MPAs could keep on engaging a detected submarine over and over again without fear of retaliation. A3SM will act as deterrence for submarines and keep ASW helicopters and MPAs at bay in the near future.