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HOT is a Franco-German long-range anti-tank weapon system developed by Euromissile (MBDA France and LFK), for fitment to helicopters or land vehicles. Its range (4000 m) and powerful warhead enable the HOT to engage a tank without coming into range of its weapon systems.

HOT entered service in 1979 on the Gazelle helicopter (under the name Gazelle HOT-day SA 341F). This weapon fit was upgraded to give it a night capability and jamming resistance from 1997 (under the name Gazelle HOT/ Viviane).

In 1984, the day version of HOT entered service on the armoured troop carrier (VAB) under the name VAB-HOT Mephisto. This installation was upgraded firstly for night firing (in 1992) and secondly to improve jamming resistance (in 1997).

The missile itself, which entered service in 1979, has undergone two improvement programmes:

  Firstly, in 1985, to increase penetration capability (HOT2),
  Secondly, in 1998, to introduce a tandem warhead (HOT3), enabling it to penetrate the reactive armour of modern tanks.

Its exceptional accuracy and the performance of its warhead has led to the HOT system being adopted by 18 nations throughout the world. Operationally, the HOT system has seen action in numerous conflicts: Iran/Iraq, the Lebanon, in ex-Spanish Sahara and in the Gulf war (operation Desert Storm).

Note that the German partner has also developed installations specific to its own platforms both on land - the Jaguar JPZ1 - and airborne - the Bo105 helicopter. Export clients may of course request modifications to adapt the system to their own platforms.