The European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius recently visited MBDA sites as part of a tour of European missile manufacturers. After Schrobenhausen and Fusaro, he was today welcomed in Bourges by Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA. 

The missile tour is an opportunity for the Commissioner to witness how European companies are working to strengthen European deterrence and defence capabilities, as well as developing industrial cooperation. 

At MBDA, we showcased our strong commitment to the European defence production ramp up and one shared ambition to strengthen Europe’s industrial and technological capabilities. 

MBDA is already growing its workforce by supporting high-quality industrial employment and investing heavily  in its production facilities across Europe, with an investment plan over the next five years that will double, reaching €5 billion. Further investments are planned. During his visits, Kubilius saw how MBDA is increasing production in France, Italy and Germany to support European rearmament, and respond to the current geopolitical climate. At the end of 2025, MBDA succeeded in doubling its production compared with 2023. 

With 26 sites located across Europe, alongside more than 2,200 European subcontractors and suppliers collaborating with it, MBDA is a major player in the defence landscape in Europe. Its long-standing DNA of cooperation places it at the centre of the complex weapon production ecosystem in Europe. 

Lithuania’s Commissioner Kubilius, is first the person to hold this post, which was created in 2024, in recognition of how defence and security have become key strategic priorities for Europe.  

Announcing his tour, which sees him visiting missile manufacturing facilities and meeting defence ministers to inform future EU initiatives in support of the sector, the Commissioner said: 

“Our ability as Europe to deter aggression, depends on the ability of our industry to meet huge demand, and innovate at rapid pace. So what Europe needs is for industry to rapidly scale up production lines and production capacity. So that they can produce at speed and scale.”