By Edward James/Singapore

SINGAPORE (February 23, 2000) - MATRA BAeD has unveiled what it claims is the first short-range air defense multi-target fire-and-forget missile system capable of providing all weather protection from all threats.

Speaking at Asian Aerospace 2000, CEO Fabrice Bregier said the vertical launch system was similar to the air launched version with thrust vectoring and either an active radar or infrared seeking head.

Because of the vertical launch capability, against anti-ship, combat aircraft or air-to-surface missiles, the system has a high firing rate of less than two seconds between launches.