MBDA Selected to Develop European Counter-Hypersonic Weapon Concept

MBDA signed a European Defence Fund grant agreement and a Linked Procurement Contract with Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on May 15, initiating the HYpersonic Defence Interceptor Study (HYDIS²) concept phase with co-funding from member states.

The European Commission's selection of the HYDIS² project for funding in July 2023 highlights the strategic importance placed on countering emerging hypersonic threats. Key European nations such as France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands are committed to co-funding this initiative.

Under this agreement, MBDA and OCCAR will embark on a three-year concept phase focused on identifying effective counter-hypersonic and anti-ballistic concepts, along with associated weapon architectures.

Led by MBDA, the HYDIS² Consortium includes 19 partners and over 20 subcontractors from 14 European countries. Notable participants such as ArianeGroup, AVIO, and THALES will collaborate to define weapon system requirements tailored to European and NATO roadmaps.

The concept phase's primary objectives include establishing a joint understanding of operational scenarios and selecting optimal interceptor concepts aligned with European defense needs, with an anticipated in-service date of 2035.