by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) May 16, 2024
MBDA has signed an agreement with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of the partners of the HYpersonic Defence Interceptor Study (HYDIS2) Consortium. The European Defence Fund grant agreement and a Linked Procurement Contract were signed on May 15, launching the HYDIS2 concept phase.
The European Commission selected the HYDIS2 project for funding in July 2023, with France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands co-funding the initiative. The agreement marks the start of a three-year concept phase to identify the most effective counter-hypersonic and anti-ballistic concept and the associated weapon architecture.
MBDA will coordinate efforts to:
- Define operational scenarios and weapon systems interface, considering European and NATO roadmaps.
- Build a joint definition of threats using the expertise of all partners involved.
- Consolidate weapon system requirements and integration across the engagement chain.
- Select the optimal counter-hypersonic and anti-ballistic interceptor concept for European nations, preparing for an Assessment Phase and targeting an in-service date around 2035.
- Mature technologies necessary for the next program phase.
- Create an industrial network to develop future counter-hypersonic missile systems.
The HYDIS2 consortium, coordinated by MBDA, includes 19 partners and over 20 subcontractors in 14 European countries. Partners include ArianeGroup, AVIO, Avio Aero, Bayern-Chemie, CIRA, DLR, GKN Fokker, LYNRED, OHB System AG, ONERA, ROXEL France, THALES LAS France, TDW, THALES Netherlands, and TNO. HYDIS2 is key to European states' efforts to defend populations and armed forces against emerging hypersonic threats, which significantly differ from ballistic threats.
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