France's Defense Agency Awards MBDA Sovereign Munition Contract Amid Ukraine-Inspired Strategy

France’s DGA has awarded MBDA its first contract for the One Way Effector (OWE), a sovereign long-range strike munition designed to overwhelm enemy air defenses. The OWE is positioned as a ‘mass plus range’ option, situated between high-end cruise missiles and less expensive loitering munitions. According to AeroTime, MBDA has announced the signing of the contract on January 22, 2026. The company’s industrial approach aims to enable volume production, including partnerships outside the traditional defense supply chain. France’s ‘Drone Pact’ initiative is credited with enabling a more agile and cooperative approach with industry.