OVERVIEW: A French-deployed air-dropped submunition, the BAT-120 is designed for anti-armour roles with high penetration capability. It uses an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) and is intended to neutralize tanks and lightly armored vehicles across dispersed formations.

DETAIL: The BAT-120 was developed by Matra (now MBDA France) as an anti-armour submunition compatible with cluster munitions. Each BAT-120 is a self-contained, cylindrical bomblet equipped with an acoustic and infrared dual-sensor guidance system for target detection and terminal accuracy. The EFP warhead design creates a high-velocity metal slug upon detonation, ideal for top-attack profiles against vehicle armor. Its aerodynamic casing ensures stability during descent, while the multi-mode fuze enables delayed or instantaneous impact.

The BAT-120 FRANG was designed to be deployed from cluster bomb dispensers like BLG-66 Belouga. Each bomb contains 24 BAT-120 bomblets. The enhanced target acquisition logic improves discrimination between armored and non-armored vehicles. Though passive-guided, it offers improved lethality against moving targets in open terrain.

The BAT-120 is used in tactical scenarios against armored convoys or battlefield vehicle concentrations. Aircraft deliver the submunitions from low to medium altitude in pre-determined attack patterns. Its autonomous target seeking allows effective area coverage without direct line-of-sight.

NOTE:
IOC: ~1986
Operators: France
Platform: Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Rafale, Super Étendard, Mirage F1, Alpha Jet
Conflicts: Evaluated and stockpiled during Cold War, limited operational use reported

SOURCE:
Ministère des Armées (France): https://www.defense.gouv.fr/
MBDA France: https://www.mbda-systems.com/
Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched
Federation of American Scientists: https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/dumb/bat120.htm
GlobalSecurity.org: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/bat-120.htm