In response to the mounting challenges posed by the extended air defense domain, including the complexities of manoeuvring ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles, MBDA has been at the forefront for over five years, developing innovative interception solutions. As part of this ongoing effort, MBDA presents the AQUILA project, specifically designed to address the urgent need for countering emerging hypersonic threats. This project aims to ensure the efficient protection of domestic high-value assets and operational deployments in the coming decades.
The AQUILA project leverages MBDA’s extensive expertise derived from the successful ASTER anti-missile interceptor and their in-depth understanding of evolving threats. It proposes a range of valuable concepts for dedicated counter-hypersonic interceptors, tailored to meet the requirements of European nations. These concepts are complemented by MBDA’s global area defense portfolio, which encompasses a wide array of other air defense products.
In March 2023, MBDA, along with its partners, received an invitation to tender for a concept architecture and technology maturation study. This study focuses on developing an endo-atmospheric interceptor capable of effectively countering the new high-end emerging threats.
To bring the AQUILA project to fruition, MBDA has established the HYDIS² consortium, which unites 19 partners and over 30 subcontractors from 14 European countries. This consortium comprises defense groups, institutions, SMEs, mid-caps, and universities, all selected for their strong expertise in the key technologies and areas essential to the study of this groundbreaking interceptor. By gathering the best competences across the European Union, including aeronautical scientific references and actors in novel domains, the HYDIS² consortium is fully prepared to rise to the challenge of countering hypersonic threats.
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, emphasizes the significant European benefits arising from the AQUILA project. He underscores the project’s contribution to European resilience and technological sovereignty by enhancing cooperation and interoperability among EU countries. Furthermore, the AQUILA project reinforces the sovereign missile systems industry in Europe, fostering critical expertise, technologies, and materials, and boosting European industrial competitiveness. MBDA remains committed to leading the way in hypersonic innovation, guiding Europe toward the most efficient solutions for countering hypersonic threats.
The primary objective of the HYDIS² project is to design various interceptor concepts and advance critical technologies that fulfill the needs of the four member states involved: France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. The project aligns with the European TWISTER capability program and serves as a central element in the defense of populations and armed forces against the transformative shift from ballistic to hypersonic threats.
France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands have already demonstrated their support and commitment to the AQUILA project by signing a Letter of Intent and reaching an agreement on Initial Common Requirements.
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