The next generation of loitering munitions may have just taken shape through a partnership between two French firms.
MBDA and Delair’s MUTANT XL combines the latest in missile tech and unmanned systems, merging precision strike capabilities with flexible drone-like control for modern battlefield missions.
Built around a man-in-the-loop concept, it gives operators full control from launch to impact.
MBDA said MUTANT XL builds on its AKERON missile tech, bringing tested anti-tank and anti-infrastructure capabilities even in extreme weather.
Delair draws on its experience with “specialized defense platforms” and commercial drones to boost maneuverability and adaptability.
The two firms are positioning MUTANT XL as a scalable strike option for the French Armed Forces, capable of adapting to a wide range of mission requirements.
The Larinae Push
Development of MUTANT XL sits under France’s Larinae program, a broader push to modernize ground-based weapons and unmanned combat systems.
The program focuses on remotely controlled munitions designed to defeat armored targets at ranges of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles).
It also backs national efforts to advance drone swarms, precision-guided munitions, and long-range strike options for contested environments.
MUTANT XL made its public debut at the 2025 Defense Innovation Forum in Paris.
