MBDA, Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, and French company FLY-R have launched defense localization projects in the UAE. The initiatives include the establishment of MBDA's fully owned UAE subsidiary and a co-development program to design and industrialize an AI-enabled loitering munition.
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.
MBDA plans to establish a new wholly-owned subsidiary in the UAE, focusing on loitering munitions and missiles. The company aims to increase its presence in the Middle East through partnerships with local firms like EDGE Group and Calidus.
Luxembourg is weighing its options for long-range air and missile defense as it considers a European alternative to the US-made Patriot. The country's interest reflects a broader reassessment of air defense needs among smaller European states amid a rapidly deteriorating security environment.
Germany has ordered more Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles from MBDA, continuing the six-nation European program's development. This contract was placed through the Meteor Integrated Joint Programme Office on behalf of Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support.
Germany has launched production of the Taurus Neo cruise missile with MBDA, a European missile manufacturer. The contract is linked to Germany's next-generation air-launched cruise missile and aims to prepare serial production.
A report by The Telegraph claims that France has opposed an EU plan to allow Ukraine to use EU-backed loans to buy British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The proposal, part of a €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026-27, aims to strengthen Europe's defense industrial base while keeping Ukraine supplied.
Airbus Helicopters has unveiled its proposed rotorcraft designs for NATO's Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) initiative. The company's submission comprises two distinct concepts developed in collaboration with RTX's Collins Aerospace and Raytheon businesses, and MBDA.