MBDA has officially signed a contract with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) for DefendAir, the next-generation anti-drone rocket system expected to be a breakthrough in drone defense.
With this agreement, Germany is adding the DefendAir system—designed as an effective solution particularly against small and medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—to its inventory. The move is seen as a strategic step to close a significant capability gap in the country’s counter-UAV defense and as a critical contribution to European and NATO security.
DefendAir to Be Produced in Germany
Production of the DefendAir system will take place in large quantities at MBDA’s Schrobenhausen facility in Germany. This not only ensures the supply of the system but also strengthens Germany’s local manufacturing capacity and its sensitive defense industry infrastructure.
MBDA CEO Thomas Gottschild emphasized that DefendAir will be a “game-changing” capability and stated that the system will elevate the defense capabilities of Germany, Europe, and NATO to a higher level. The project is also expected to make significant contributions to joint defense initiatives across Europe.
MBDA Announces Major Investment to Boost Production and Capacity
To ensure rapid delivery of the first systems, MBDA had already begun development of the guided missile ahead of the contract signing. The company is also pursuing major investment plans to meet rising demand and maximize production capacity.
Having doubled its new guided missile production between 2023 and 2025, MBDA aims to invest an additional €2.4 billion between 2025 and 2029. These investments will reinforce the company’s strength in the global defense industry while ensuring continuity in Europe’s defense and deterrence capabilities.
