DEFENDAIR

Responding to the Challenge of UAS

Recent conflicts have highlighted that Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), characterised through low cost and large-scale deployment, is transforming the modern battlefield. Armed forces increasingly face drones capable of reconnaissance, surveillance or direct attack. Protecting forces and critical infrastructures against these evolving threats has therefore become a strategic priority.

Committed to providing effective force protection, MBDA is developing DEFENDAIR, a specialised guided missile designed specifically for counter-drone operations. Optimised to intercept small and medium-sized unmanned aerial systems, DEFENDAIR can accurately engage highly manoeuvrable and fast-moving targets in nearly every possible scenario.

Major design factors of DEFENDAIR are rapid development and swift operational availability. Production is planned with the objective of delivering the system in large quantities with regard to cost-effectiveness to meet the growing demand for counter-UAS capabilities.

A New Generation of Cost-Effective Counter-UAS Capability

DEFENDAIR provides armed forces with the ability to neutralise drones at an early stage of their mission. By engaging targets at ranges exceeding 5km, the missile largely extends the defensive perimeter currently covered by gun systems and reduces the risk posed by hostile drones.

Highly agile and based on state-of-the-art technology, the missile is designed to defeat highly agile and fast-moving aerial targets with a maximized kill probability. Its architecture allows the simultaneous launch of multiple missiles, enabling effective responses to complex scenarios such as drone swarm attacks.

DEFENDAIR offers a cost-effective effector solution while maintaining advanced operational performance. The missile features a maintenance-free configuration stowed in a protective container and provides engagement capabilities covering a full 360-degree area.

A New Capability Showcasing MBDA’s Ability to Deliver Solutions for Force Protection

DEFENDAIR represents MBDA’s capacity to adapt rapidly to emerging threats and evolving operational requirements. The solution leverages proven technology derived from ENFORCER, enabling a significantly shortened development timeline and faster availability for operational deployment.

This technological foundation allows DEFENDAIR to combine high accuracy with compelling cost efficiency. Within the framework of the European Sky Shield Initiative, DEFENDAIR also offers strong potential to enhance drone defence capabilities across European nations and beyond.

Alongside SKYWARDEN, the MISTRAL family and CAMM, DEFENDAIR strengthens MBDA’s counter-UAS offering and completes its comprehensive portfolio. By accelerating development and preparing early production capacity, MBDA aims to ensure that the first systems can be deployed rapidly, significantly reinforcing force protection and the defence of critical infrastructure.