MBDA, the European leader in complex weapon systems, is presenting a global portfolio of next-generation defence technologies in the fields of offensive capabilities, precision strikes and air defence at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin.
- New integrated anti-drone system combining the DefendAir anti-drone missile with high-energy laser weapon
- Comprehensive Deep Precision Strike portfolio from hypersonic to subsonic solutions on display
- Space simulation tool enabling users to simulate the entire threat and impact chain
Two major highlights mark the occasion: for the first time ever, the company is displaying a comprehensive anti-drone solution, centred on the DEFENDAIR guided missile and a high-energy laser weapon integrated on an anti-drone platform. MBDA’s new anti-drone system addresses the rapidly growing challenge of small, fast, and low-cost unmanned aerial threats, combining the kinetic interceptor DEFENDAIR with a high-energy laser effector providing overlapping engagement envelopes. This new solution is one of the results of MBDA’s investment in the development of effective directed energy weapons for decades, particularly against low-cost and mass threats such as drones, currently encountered within theaters of operations.
DEFENDAIR is made under contract with the German Armed Forces for development and procurement, with significant production activity scheduled for the coming years. The complementary combination of DEFENDAIR anti-drone missiles and high-energy laser technology can provide militaries with a highly effective, layered defence against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with the aim of achieving initial deployment before the end of this decade.
In parallel, MBDA is showcasing its full spectrum of Deep Precision Strike capabilities, from saturation to penetration spanning all domains. The portfolio includes hypersonic weapon systems with ranges exceeding 2,000km, as well as subsonic solutions including the Land Cruise Missile (LCM), with range exceeding 1,000km. The RCM2 family – together with the Joint Fire Support Missile (JFSM) for long range artillery fires and low-cost, long-range munition as MBDA’s “One Way Effectors (OWE)” designed for mass raid's - underline the company’s ability to deliver decisive effects across all operational distances and threat scenarios, complementing the Deep Precision Strike segment.
In addition, MBDA will showcase a space wargaming and simulation tool, enabling users to simulate the entire threat and impact chain. Reflecting recent strategic developments, MBDA is committed to applying its expertise in air defence and its strong capacity for innovation to the space sector. The aim is to develop in-orbit protection and intervention capabilities to tackle new threats.
With these exhibits, MBDA reinforces its position as a European champion in integrated ground-based air defence as well as in deep-strike precision solutions, offering armed forces high-performance and sovereign solutions to protect our values.