MBDA a model more relevant than ever

European collaboration through MBDA has allowed nations access to decisive sovereign capabilities.
MBDA has ramped-up production.
In a rapidly changing world, MBDA is standing by its customer nations and armed forces to deliver on their needs.

MBDA CEO Eric Béranger reaffirmed the European group’s role as a leading global provider of complex weapons. At his annual press conference on March 17 2025 from Paris, France, Eric Béranger explained MBDA’s capacity to answer and exceed the production ramp-up necessary to face demand in the current geopolitical context. In a rapidly changing world, MBDA continues to demonstrate its commitment to cooperation and innovation at the service of nations’ sovereignty, with expanded production capabilities and strategic partnerships. Altogether reinforcing European defense readiness.

MBDA remains the only European group offering a comprehensive portfolio of sovereign capabilities. These ensure that European nations have freedom of action and provide operational superiority. Recent deployments by armed forces have testified that MBDA’s systems have again been combat proven in real-world operations. For example, ASTER by French, UK and Italian navies in the Red Sea or VL MICA for security at the Paris Olympics.

Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said: “As geopolitical uncertainties grow, MBDA stands as a pillar of the defence of Europe, ensuring that nations have the tools, autonomy, and industrial strength to safeguard their interests. By fostering cooperation, accelerating production, and pioneering new defense technologies, MBDA is not just responding to today’s challenges but also contributing to the future of European security.”

MBDA actively supports European Union defence initiatives, NATO collaboration, and cross-border cooperation. The company has reinforced partnerships across Europe to expand joint capabilities. These include new agreements with Poland and Sweden. There is an urgent need for increased defence capabilities and MBDA has taken decisive actions to ramp up production. In 2024, missile output increased by 33% compared to 2023, and by 2025, the group will have doubled production compared to 2023. Key initiatives driving this acceleration includes continuing to invest €2.4 billion over the next five years (2025-2029) and a significant recruitment drive, with 2,500 new hires in 2024 and a target of 2,600 more in 2025.

Beyond tackling today’s production challenges, MBDA continues its efforts to adapt to potential mass challenges, while remaining focused on the future of defence, developing next-generation solutions. Some of its key areas of innovation include the future of Deep-strike – with FC/ASW, a flagship of cooperation, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities – with AQUILA, AI-driven and digital defence systems – with the recent launch of NEODE Systems, as well as mass-oriented solutions, including drone swarms, lasers, and remotely-controlled ammunitions, inspired by lessons learned from recent conflicts.

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