MBDA, the European leader in complex weapons systems, is attending the 18th Edition
of Dubai Airshow taking place from 17th to 21st November.
Leveraging over 40 years of cooperation with the UAE, MBDA is an established and
trusted long-term industrial partner in the Middle East region. Providing innovative
military solutions through partnerships with local stakeholders, reflecting the Group’s
commitment to fostering strategic cooperation. These partnerships drive innovation in
the region. MBDA is actively contributing to the UAE’s defence and aerospace sector by
sharing expertise, transferring technology and supporting joint development projects.
This cooperation not only strengthens the capabilities of local industry, but also aligns
with the UAE vision of advancing its technological landscape.
An illustration of MBDA commitment to cooperation in the UAE is the creation of the
Missile Engineering Centre (MEC), with the Tawazun Council. Inaugurated in 2023, it
being outside Europe makes it the first of its kind for MBDA. The MEC has
strengthened the long-term partnership between the UAE and MBDA. It is establishing
a bedrock to develop the next generation of smart weapons. Through significant local
content, it is leveraging and reinforcing the sovereign capabilities of the UAE defence
industry.
Innovating through cooperation is at the core of MBDA DNA. At the Dubai Airshow
2025, the Group will showcase its extensive expertise through its suite of advanced
military capabilities developed over decades. The exhibition will feature the SMART
family of weapons. This cutting-edge weaponry is a result of MBDA’s successful
collaboration with local partners, and will be designed, developed and produced within
the Missile Engineering Centre.
MBDA’s product display will also highlight interoperable systems that provide enhanced
flexibility and agility in response to evolving threats. Such capabilities are essential as
the Group continues to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of defence. An example
is the new Diamond Shaped loitering munition, tailored specifically to meet the specific
requirements of the Middle Eastern market.
The MBDA stand also has dedicated space to highlight the Group’s use of innovative
technologies such as Artificial intelligence, which is now integrated in MBDA’s value
chains. From the heart of missiles and effectors to decision support tools, in C2
systems, and collaborative weapons capability Orchestrike. Always following the
principle of “ethics by design”. These cutting-edge solutions showcase high
performance products that demonstrate unwavering MBDA commitment to providing
customers with unrivalled operational capabilities.
MBDA Dubai Airshow display (stand n° 960)
On display at MBDA’s Dubai Airshow stand, in the air dominance area, visitors
will find the SMART CRUISER and SMART GLIDER belonging to the SMART
MBDAGroup MBDA MBDAGroup MBDA MBDA
family of weapons. Compact and intelligent air-to-ground effectors with AI-
enabled capabilities permitting collaborative and swarming engagement.
Both are due to be developed in cooperation with the Tawazun
Council and local defence industry. Alongside them is METEOR,
the beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) system
designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat in the 21st century.
In the effectors area is the innovative Diamond Shaped loitering
munition. Designed for precision strikes on critical targets, it will meet
growing international demand. There is also AKERON RCX, loitering munition
on show. The ONE WAY EFFECTOR (OWE), first unveiled at Paris Le Bourget
this year, is also on show, representing a trade-off between the need for mass
and performance at lower cost to meet the challenges faced by armed forces in
a high-intensity context.
Within the ground-based air defence (GBAD) area, visitors will find SKY
WARDEN, the counter-UAV (C-UAV) solution that faces the entire spectrum of
drone threats. From micro drones to tactical drones or loitering munitions, as
well as other classic air breathing threats. With both a C-UAV and GBAD
engagement chain, it can also integrate with other showcased products. These
include; the MISTRAL ATLAS RC the uses the MISTRAL 3 missile, and the
laser capability HELMA-P (High Energy Laser for Multiple Applications). A
solution by CILAS, a French company specialising in lasers for military
applications, in which MBDA has acquired a majority stake.
Additionally on display in the GBAD area are solutions covering from very-short
to medium and long ranges. ASTER B1NT, the latest evolution of the backbone
missile for long-range European air defence. This French-Italian cooperation
programme is intended to support Armed Forces well beyond 2060. For
medium-range there is VL MICA NG, a 360° system particularly effective against
saturation attacks carried out by low signature targets such as guided bombs
and missiles (including cruise missiles). There is also CAMM-ER, the extended-
range version of the CAMM family of air defence missiles. Incorporating
advanced technologies, CAMM-ER provides complete protection against all
known and projected air targets.
Finally, in the battlefield missions zone visitors will see anti-tank and precision
strike capabilities. The AKERON family of fifth generation multi-purpose combat
missile systems for land and naval operations, and Enforcer the shoulder-
launched guided weapon system, suitable for engaging a wide target set to
reach highest precision beyond the range of unguided weapons.
