European missile manufacturer MBDA is launching an interceptor to counter attacks by large numbers of low-cost munitions such as drones. The Counter Mass Interceptor, to be unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in England, offers European militaries and NATO forces a new defence against waves of inexpensive weapons.
Addressing Saturation Threats
According to an MBDA representative, there is currently no sovereign system in Europe capable of addressing saturation threats, forcing reliance on non-European systems. The United States uses systems such as the precision-guided rocket APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System), produced by BAE Systems with U.S. companies Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics.
The first interceptor, targeting smaller drones, is intended to be complemented later by a second interceptor with a longer range, targeting drones as well as a larger array of weapons. MBDA said development of the programme is currently being led by its British teams, though a future iteration will likely be led by their French counterparts.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
