© MBDA 2026
Robotics at the heart of defence strategies
Robotics stands at the crossroads of mechanics, embedded electronics, algorithmics, and applied mathematics. Formerly known as mechatronics, this multidisciplinary field has become a cornerstone of modern defence innovation. Robotic research combines theoretical and experimental approaches, enabling engineers to design, test, analyse and validate breakthrough concepts through hands-on experimentation.
Operating in complex and constrained environments is one of robotics’ greatest strengths. Whether on land, in the air, or at sea, robotic systems enable the transfer of techniques and know-how across domains. Solutions initially developed for hostile environments, such as deep-sea exploration or planetary missions, offer direct relevance for defence scenarios, including operations in contested environments where GPS is denied.
At MBDA, robotics is a powerful enabler of innovation. As Stéphane, Technical Expert in Guidance, Control and Navigation, explains, “missiles can be viewed as highly specialised robots. Robotics platforms such as drones and ground robots provide cost-effective and agile test beds to mature algorithms, sensors, and guidance laws well before missile prototypes are developed.” Beyond technology, robotics also delivers strong value in terms of human resources, dual-use applications and experimental means, helping MBDA remain attractive to future engineers while accelerating innovation cycles.
© MBDA 2026
Open innovation as a catalyst for robotic advances
“By sharing knowledge and working closely with research institutes and universities, we achieve the most impactful innovations,” notes Stéphane. Robotics naturally fosters open innovation, thanks to a strong and well-structured academic community. Partnerships with institutions such as in France École Polytechnique, ISAE-SUPAERO and the military academy of Saint-Cyr, Cranfield University in the UK, Hochschule Augsburg and Hochschule Ingolstadt in Germany, University of Bologna in Italy- enable MBDA to explore advanced concepts while training future defence engineers.
Through projects like GUSD, MBDA has collaborated with SMEs and academic spin-offs to apply techniques to missile guidance, leading to operational simulators and future onboard decision aids. Educational initiatives involving one or more platforms, ranging from robotic trajectory planning courses to swarm robotics projects, allow students to experiment with advanced cooperative navigation and guidance with various techniques such as consensus algorithms, game theory, and multi-agent coordination. Technologies that are now feeding into next-generation defence systems.
Robotics also acts as a bridge for technology transfer. From viability theory to interval analysis and swarm intelligence, numerous concepts initially demonstrated on robotic platforms have been successfully integrated into MBDA’s weapon systems, reinforcing navigation, control and cooperative guidance capabilities.
© MBDA 2026
Between innovation and integration: robotics enhancing defence capabilities
Robotics brings agility to defence development. By combining open-source simulation with real-world experimentation, MBDA can rapidly validate complex, multi-platform behaviours such as drone formations. Robotics platforms also serve as powerful communication tools, showcasing non-sensitive demonstrations to customers and partners, particularly for land forces where robotic systems are increasingly operational.
The robotics ecosystem continuously inspires MBDA through integration standards like ROS2, innovative sensors such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) accelerometers, and advanced control and AI techniques. Image-Based Navigation, for instance, adapts robotic SLAM methods to defence needs. Artificial intelligence further enhances safety, performance, and scalability, from vision-based perception to deep reinforcement learning for control.
Ultimately, Stéphane adds “robotics enables MBDA to explore, mature, and integrate disruptive technologies in a controlled and efficient manner”. As a strategic lever, it strengthens both current defence capabilities and the innovations that will shape tomorrow’s operational superiority.