The French Air Force has received the first contingent of the new Mamba ground-to-air medium-range missile system.

The missile will be initially deployed in a unit in the 04/950 Servance Squadron at France’s Luxeuil Air Base.

The air force will use the Mamba to replace its MIM-23 Hawk ground-to-air missile, in service for nearly 40 years, according to upi.com.

Developed by Eurosam, a joint venture between Thales and MBDA, the current configuration of Mamba missile can intercept primitive ballistic missiles in their terminal phase of launch.

Prior to its deployment, Mamba was tested by the General Directorate for Weapons, the Mont-de-Marsan Air Force Proving Ground and the Avord Ground-Air Defense Training Center.