MBDA Receives European Contract to Develop HYDIS² Project Concept Phase.

MBDA has signed a grant agreement with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and secured a linked procurement contract to launch the concept phase of the HYDIS² project. This agreement, signed on May 15, marks the beginning of a three-year endeavor to develop a defense missile system against hypersonic and ballistic threats on a European scale.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Signature of the HYDIS² project between OCCAR and MBDA. (Picture source: MBDA)

The HYDIS² project, an acronym for Hypersonic Defence Interceptor Study, was selected for funding by the European Commission in July 2023. This initiative has received co-funding commitments from the governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.

This concept phase aims to identify the most effective defense strategies against hypersonic and ballistic threats, as well as the corresponding weapon architecture. Under the coordination of MBDA, the project focuses on collecting and harmonizing operational scenarios and weapon system interfaces, taking into account European and NATO guidelines. The collaboration will also focus on defining threats, consolidating weapon system requirements, and integrating these systems into the broader engagement chain.

The primary objectives of this phase include selecting the interceptor concept against hypersonic and ballistic threats that is most suited to European defense needs, with a view to an evaluation phase aimed at achieving operational status by 2035. The phase also aims to advance the necessary technologies for implementing the counter-hypersonic defense concept in future program phases and to establish an industrial network to develop next-generation hypersonic missile systems.

The HYDIS² consortium, led by MBDA, brings together 19 partners and more than 20 subcontractors from 14 European countries. Key partners include MBDA entities in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as 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.

The project represents a crucial element of European defense strategy, particularly in the face of emerging hypersonic threats that pose a significant challenge beyond the capabilities of traditional ballistic missiles. Through this collaboration, European states aim to enhance their defense capabilities, thereby ensuring the protection of their populations and armed forces against these advanced threats.