In an increasingly volatile world, where the geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly, defence readiness is no longer optional, it is imperative. Against this backdrop, MBDA has taken decisive action to ramp up production, scale operations and invest in the future of European defence, to be reinforced through our presence at DSEI 2025.
Across Europe, nations are responding to the evolving security environment by significantly rearming, seeking to reinforce sovereignty and ensure the safety of their citizens, as highlighted in the UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review.
As a strategic partner to governments and the armed forces, MBDA is playing a central role in this transformation, acting concretely to ramp-up in order to meet rising demand for advanced defence solutions and deliver at pace. The group is committed to providing next-generation defence capabilities that support sovereignty and resilience.
To support this mission, there will be unprecedented investment in capacity, technology and people. Between 2025 and 2030, the group will invest €2.4 billion (£2 billion) across its European footprint to boost defence industrial capacity.
In the UK, over £1 billion is being invested in technology and infrastructure, growing the facility’s footprint from 11,000m² to 48,000m² by 2028. Parallel expansion is underway in Henlow, where build capacity is being modernised across three facilities. These investments will increase industrial resilience and generate significant economic impact through job creation, regional development, and export capability.
This ramp-up in production is already yielding measurable results. In 2025, production and delivery of missiles is expected to double, compared to 2023. Specific systems such as CAMM saw a 40% production increase in the past few years and the production surge spans across some key systems including AKERON MP, ASTER, BRIMSTONE, CAMM, ENFORCER, EXOCET, MICA and MISTRAL.
To support its growth, there is substantial expansion to the workforce spanning engineering, manufacturing, research and development, and operations with 2,600 hires to be filled in 2025. This hiring wave reflects MBDA’s commitment to both economic contribution and long-term capability building.
Alongside increasing output, significant resources are being channelled into the development of innovative weapons systems, through research & development around several technological axis, such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Data, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Electronics & Electromagnetics, Hypersonic, Raw materials or Virtual & Augmented reality. These efforts will ensure Europe maintains a technological edge and strategic autonomy in the face of future threats.
Collaboration remains fundamental to the strategy. As announced in 2025, France and the UK have committed to joint procurement of additional STORM SHADOW / SCALP-EG cruise missiles. This cooperation also continues through the co-development of a next-generation capability with the STRATUS (new name for FC/ASW) programme, which will be showcased on our booth at DSEI 2025.
By combining record-level investments, expanded production, innovative research and development and deepened European cooperation, MBDA is shaping the future of defence, ensuring that allied nations are battle ready, resilient and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.