Missile Mokopa

Full-scale development of the Mokopa commenced in November 1996. The project was initiated following an arms embargo that restricted the acquisition of foreign air-to-surface missiles. Initial air-launched trials from a helicopter platform occurred in 1999, with guided flight tests following in 2000. Development was finalized by 2005.

The Mokopa is an air-to-surface missile designed for anti-tank and anti-ship roles. The primary guidance system utilizes semi-active laser homing, requiring target illumination by a laser designator located on the launch platform or operated by a remote observer. Additional seeker options include millimetre-wave radar and two-colour imaging infrared. The system supports both lock-on before launch and lock-on after launch modes. The latter allows the launch platform to fire without maintaining a direct line of sight to the target, reducing exposure to enemy fire.

Propulsion is provided by a solid-fuel composite rocket motor with a slow burn rate and smokeless exhaust. The standard configuration features a tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank warhead designed to defeat rolled homogeneous armour and explosive reactive armour. A dedicated anti-ship warhead is also available. The system is compatible with various platforms, including attack helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, light armored vehicles, and naval vessels.

The missile was intended for the South African Air Force's attack helicopter fleet. While initial batches were delivered, full integration was suspended due to budgetary constraints. The system has been exported to the Algerian National Navy for use on naval helicopters deployed aboard frigates. Flight testing of the Algerian configuration was conducted in 2014.