MBDA has unveiled an interceptor designed to counter large-scale swarm attacks, with the company describing it as the first sovereign European capability of its kind.
Dubbed “Counter Mass Interceptor,” the 53-kilogram (117-pound) system is designed to take on various drone, helicopter, and cruise missile threats.
The interceptor debuted at the Farnborough International Airshow in a truck-mounted configuration, with MBDA positioning it as an upgrade to its own ground-launched, advanced short range air-to-air missile system.
According to MBDA UK Business Development Manager Luke Webster, the Counter Mass Interceptor can be integrated onto unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned surface vessels, allowing forces to deploy the system across multiple domains.
“As drones become more capable they will fly faster and higher, and that’s what this is designed to counter,” Webster said, as quoted by Breaking Defense.
MBDA plans to conduct live-fire tests within the next 18 months, although a location has not yet been announced.
Built for Scale
MBDA plans to leverage existing and repurposed production lines to manufacture the Counter Mass Interceptor.
Initial development will be handled by the company’s British arm, while future iterations could be transferred over to its headquarters in France.
MBDA also said production could be handled internally or through industrial partners, with MBDA exploring an automotive-style manufacturing approach to accelerate output.
