MBDA

Lockheed Martin introduced the PAC-3 ACE, a cheaper Patriot missile designed to cost less than half of the regular $4.2 million PAC-3 MSE. The development comes amid high global demand for air defense munitions due to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, with production plans to scale up rapidly through partnerships with European defense industries.

Lockheed Martin unveiled a more affordable version of the Patriot missile system, while MBDA displayed a cost-effective interceptor based on its upgraded ground-launched ASRAAM missile. MBDA's new weapon can be integrated onto unmanned ground vehicles or unmanned surface vessels.

MBDA will replace its CEO with an Airbus executive. Éric Béranger oversaw the company's major industrial ramp-up during his tenure.

Five European defense firms, including Destinus, MBDA, Safran, Airbus, and Thales, plan to develop Europe’s first exo-atmospheric interceptor to defend against ballistic missiles, with a 2027 test goal. The Bliksem EXO consortium aims to address a gap in European missile defense by creating a system to intercept threats above the atmosphere, complementing existing NATO and European defenses.

Europe’s Hydis project, led by MBDA, has selected a solid-propellant rocket motor concept for a hypersonic interceptor, validated by the program’s steering committee. The project aims to advance critical technologies to Technology Readiness Level 3, competing with the Hydef program for €100 million in European Defence Fund funding.

Rheinmetall and MBDA will develop a high-energy laser weapon for the German Navy, expected to be operational by 2029. The system, tested on the frigate Sachsen, is designed to counter drones and will leverage German supply chains for production.

Ukraine is purchasing 100 Patriot missiles using a $1 billion EU loan to counter Russian missile threats. The country has faced shortages of interceptors and has requested urgent supplies from allies, while production of Patriot missiles is expected to increase globally by 2027.

Sweden will supply Ukraine with long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles for its future Gripen fighter jets to enhance air combat capabilities against Russian aircraft near the front line. The missiles are produced by European defense company MBDA.

The UK Ministry of Defence is accelerating 'Project Brakestop' to produce cost-effective, long-range missiles for Ukraine, developed by MBDA, MGI Engineering, and Rotron Aerospace. The missiles carry a 225-kilogram warhead over 500 kilometers and cost approximately £400,000 per unit, avoiding reliance on US parts or navigation data.

MBDA is developing a truck-transportable land-launched version of its Naval Cruise Missile, with upgrades planned for 2030 to include extended range, improved stealth, and enhanced payload. The missile, part of Europe's efforts to address long-range strike capabilities, aligns with the ELSA initiative and faces competition as the U.S. delays Typhon launcher deployments to Germany.

France has selected a consortium of Safran and MBDA to supply domestically produced multiple-rocket launchers and munitions, rejecting competing offers from Thales, ArianeGroup, Lockheed Martin, and Hanwha Aerospace. The decision aims to replace aging M270-based systems by 2030, with Safran and MBDA planning to deliver the first systems in 2029, featuring a 150 km-range Thundart munition.

The Eurosatory defense show in Paris may be the last opportunity for European countries to purchase off-the-shelf military equipment before a potential conflict with Russia, according to Coges Events CEO Charles Beaudouin. The event highlights urgent defense needs amid warnings of a possible NATO-Russia confrontation within two to four years and features new technologies like long-range drones and missile defense systems.

A German consortium led by Airbus and seven other companies aims to build a next-generation fighter jet following the collapse of the Franco-German FCAS project. The alliance, named 'Team Gen 6,' includes firms like MBDA and Hensoldt, and plans to present its proposal to Germany's defense minister, emphasizing European cooperation and technological expertise.

A defense industry group led by Airbus submitted a position paper to the German government outlining contributions to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project. The group, called 'Team Gen 6,' includes companies like Diehl Defence and MBDA, but the move is not a new project launch following the collapse of a previous Franco-German effort. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius acknowledged ongoing discussions about FCAS challenges without specifying next steps.

Sweden plans to donate 16 older Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine, potentially equipped with MBDA's Meteor missiles, to counter Russian glide bombs. Analysts suggest the combination could provide Ukraine with a significant advantage against Russian Su-34 aircraft dropping glide bombs from long-range positions.

Sweden has selected France's Naval Group to supply four FDI frigates in a €4.2 billion deal, beating proposals from Spain and the UK. The frigates will be equipped with MBDA's Aster 30 missiles and the first vessel is expected to be delivered in 2030, with one frigate delivered annually thereafter.