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HYDIS Programme: Europe's Strategic Response to Emerging Hypersonic Threats.
On March 18, 2025, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) published its 2025 Business Plan. OCCAR's Business Plan 2025 highlights their ongoing efforts to strengthen European defense collaboration. As part of this initiative, they have introduced the Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System (HYDIS) to enhance protection against the growing threat of hypersonic cruise missiles and maneuvering ballistic missiles.
The HYDIS Programme is a strategic European initiative aimed at strengthening defense capabilities against hypersonic and advanced missile threats. (Picture source: OCCAR)
The HYDIS Programme aims to provide a European response to the growing complexity of missile and air threats, such as hypersonic glide vehicles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and maneuvering ballistic missiles. With the increasing sophistication of these threats, the HYDIS initiative is designed to enhance Europe's defense capabilities. The programme is part of the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2023 Programme, with OCCAR entrusted as the granting authority. Additionally, the HYDIS Programme contributes to the broader PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) capability project, TWISTER (Timely Warning and Interception with Space-based TheatER surveillance), and involves key participating states—Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands—along with the European Union acting as an observer. This collaboration signifies a crucial step toward strengthening Europe's defense posture in the face of emerging, high-speed threats.
The concept study, set to span three years, will focus on designing a variety of interceptor concepts based on user needs, mission scenarios, and specific criteria. An essential aspect of this phase is the maturation of critical technologies, with the goal of reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 by the study’s conclusion. This stage will also aim to develop an effective counter-hypersonic interceptor, selecting the most suitable interceptor concept, including potential variants, and its associated weapon system architecture. The study will also work toward refining the technologies required for the subsequent phases of the programme, which will eventually focus on developing a European hypersonic interceptor system capable of countering threats anticipated in the 2035+ timeframe.
Looking ahead, the activities in 2025 will be pivotal in finalizing the full characteristics of the initial threat version and consolidating the operational scenarios and user requirements. This will include beginning initial developments for the integration of naval and ground platforms. The coordination with the European Commission (EC) and the initial concepts review will provide the foundation for the next steps. By 2026, key milestones such as the Mission Definition Report, Final Concepts Report, and Preliminary Requirements Report will be delivered, setting the stage for future program phases. The ramp-up activities in 2024 laid the groundwork by harmonizing concepts of operations, defining the threats, and identifying the necessary weapon system requirements, ensuring compatibility across both NATO and European defense systems.
The HYDIS Programme is a strategic European initiative aimed at strengthening defense capabilities against hypersonic and advanced missile threats. With a well-defined roadmap for the next few years, it promises to deliver cutting-edge interceptor systems to meet future challenges. As these developments progress, HYDIS will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping Europe’s defense infrastructure and readiness for the evolving security landscape. The combined efforts of participating nations and the support of the European Union will pave the way for a more secure and resilient defense posture in the years to come.