From November 27th to 29th 2025, MBDA participated in the FID (Forum Innovation Défense), organised by the AID (Agence de l’Innovation de Défense). Bringing together industry leaders, government officials, technology experts but also general public, this edition highlighted major innovations to advancing defence capabilities.
More than a hundred innovations, supported by the French ministry of Armed Forces and veterans, were presented in an exhibition village organized into 5 thematic districts: “New Conflict Areas", "Disruptive Technologies", "Engagement and Resilience", "Experimentation" and "Doing Things Differently". A unique opportunity for MBDA to liaise with thousands of visitors, and discuss about defence innovation projects.
As European leader and a global player in the field of complex weapon systems, MBDA showcased during this Forum some of its cutting-edge innovations, from laser solutions with SYDERAL, to loitering munitions with the demonstrator MUTANT XL, and even space defence capabilities with TOUTATIS programme, addressing the challenges of space, recognized as a new area of conflict.
New Conflict Areas – Space
In low Earth orbit, the tactical situation can evolve rapidly, necessitating high reactivity to counter threats.
That is the goal of the TOUTATIS project, led by the start-up U-space in partnership with MBDA: this low Earth orbit defence system deploys two nanosatellites, one “action” satellite and one “spotter” satellite, to test opposition and cooperation scenarios and surveillance from space.
Minister Delegate Alice Rufo visited TOUTATIS on site during the FID, highlighting the strategic importance of this project to be launched in orbit in 2027 on Maia’s maiden launch.
Disruptive Technologies – Lasers
MBDA has been investing in directed energy weapons, such as lasers, for several years to develop an effective response, particularly to low-cost threats such as drones, currently encountered in theaters of operations. Laser weapon systems offer strong complementarity to missile systems and primarily address the needs of various national armed forces, in a logic of sovereignty.
During FID, MBDA presented SYDERAL, a demonstrator project for a high-power laser weapon intended for the French armed forces for anti-drone combat and short-range air defence. This project, led by MBDA within a consortium also including Thales, CILAS, and Safran Electronics & Defence, was notified by the DGA on last August 22nd, for a demonstration, both on the ground and at sea, to be performed by the end of 2030.
This system is primarily intended to combat rockets and artillery and mortar shells (C-RAM), but will also contribute to protection against tactical drones and other remotely operated munitions.
SYDERAL
Engagement and Resilience – Remotely Controlled Ammunitions (MTO)
In France, MBDA and DELAIR are developing the demonstrator Mutant XL remotely operated munitions in response to the AID LARINAE contract for medium-range MTOs. MBDA provides guidance systems, DELAIR provides the latest drone technologies.
As the FID 2025 came to a close, MBDA looks forward to building on the momentum generated at the event, continuing to develop and deploy cutting-edge technologies that enhance defence capabilities and ensure global security.