MBDA showed the OWL (H) Crossbow, a cheap kamikaze drone with a range of 800 km

Not a rocket or an airplane, but a one—time attack drone

At the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London, the European MBDA concern presented a new system called OWL (H) — One Way Effector (Heavy), which can be translated as a "one-time remedy". This is not just a drone, but a kamikaze drone: it flies to the target and destroys it with an explosion of its warhead. The ground version weighs 750 kg, of which up to 300 kg is the payload.

Such drones are an ideal compromise between expensive rockets and massive quadrocopters.

300 kg payload and wings like a glider

The OWL(H) is not a small drone with a propeller. It has a wingspan of 3 meters and a length of 5.3 meters. It moves at subsonic speed using aerodynamics, like a light aircraft or a glider. Thanks to this, a range of more than 800 km is achieved — many times more than that of most tactical drones.

The payload is modular. It can be either cumulative for armored targets or high-explosive for buildings. There are also options with non—kinetic effects, such as electromagnetic pulses.

Long-range combat without overpayment

The main advantage of OWL(H) is the price. According to MBDA, it is designed to strike particularly important static targets (for example, command posts, warehouses, radars) in a complex electronic environment, but it is significantly cheaper than a cruise missile.

This allows you to use it massively, without sparing technique. The army gets the opportunity to "shoot" drones where it would not have used a rocket before.

Why do armies need such drones?

In modern conflicts, targeted but inexpensive strikes are increasingly needed. OWL(H) is just such a tool. It can be launched from mobile installations, it is elusive for air defense, and its range allows you to work from a safe distance.

This is not a replacement for missiles, but an addition — a weapon for those cases when you need power, but you don't want to pay the price of a Tomahawk.

Sources

1. MBDA — Official launch of Crossbow™ One Way Effector Heavy at DSEI 2025
2. EDR Magazine — OWE profile: 500 km+ range, multi-role payload, mass-strike role
3. Hi-Tech Mail.ru — 500 km kamikaze drone unveiled at Paris Air Show 2025
4. Amalantra.ru — European “jet Shahed”: MBDA’s long-range strike UAV
5. KP.ru — MBDA plans for extended-range, heavy-payload loitering munition
6. Overclockers.ru — MBDA One Way Effector drones designed to suppress air-defence

Europe is preparing new cruise and anti-ship missiles under the leadership of MBDA

At the Paris Aerospace Salon 2025, they talked about the project of the future European cruise and anti-ship weapons called FC/ASW (Futur Missile Antinavire/Futur Missile de Croisière), which is headed by MBDA. His goal is to create two new modern rockets that will replace the now obsolete Exocet, Harpoon and SCALP/Storm Shadow. These old models can no longer cope with new threats and modern protection systems. The development is underway with the participation of France, Great Britain and Italy, and these missiles will be used in the armed forces of these countries.

The first TP15 rocket is a subsonic, very stealthy and versatile machine. Its speed will be slightly less than sound, and very low radar visibility will ensure low visibility. TP15 will receive a new turbojet engine, which is being jointly created by Rolls-Royce and Safran. The missile will be slightly longer than 5 meters and will be able to pass through the most advanced air defense systems. Like the SCALP, it will have an advanced infrared guidance head, thanks to which it will effectively hit ground targets — warehouses, headquarters, important infrastructure, and at the same time be able to strike ships. The development of this missile is under the leadership of Britain.

The second rocket is a supersonic RJ10 with a ramjet engine. It will be able to accelerate from three to five Mach and at the same time maintain good maneuverability to overcome enemy air defenses. This missile will be controlled using a new generation active radar head, which is being created by Thales and MBDA UK. The main objective of the RJ10 is to destroy targets at long ranges, especially to be used to suppress and destroy enemy air defenses (SEAD /DEAD). This missile is being developed under the leadership of France.

Technological improvements and tests of the components of both rockets are currently underway. Demonstration tests and verification of engines have already been carried out. A preliminary review of the program is scheduled for the end of 2025. Large-scale flight tests will take place from 2026 to 2028. Plans envisage the arrival of new missiles in the armed forces by the end of this decade or in the early 2030s. There are suggestions that the first batch may appear as early as 2028, a year earlier than originally planned.

These two missiles complement each other: one for quiet and precise strikes with subsonic speed and high stealth, the other for high—speed, powerful attacks over long distances and combating air defense systems. This approach will provide Europe with modern and flexible capabilities to strike in difficult conditions of future conflicts.

European MBDA Develops New Attack UAV: Simplicity and Mass Character are the Key to Success

The European company MBDA is developing a promising unmanned aerial vehicle called One Way Effector. The goal of the project is to create the simplest and cheapest UAV that could be mass—produced and used in combat conditions. This approach promises new opportunities and advantages.

The course of simplification

MBDA recently presented its new project at the Paris International Air Show. They revealed its goals and features, and also showed an advertising image demonstrating the group use of these UAVs.

The One Way Effector project is being created by order of the French armed forces, who were impressed by the Russian massive strikes using the Geranium series UAVs. Last year, the French military conveyed its wishes to MBDA, and the company began working on a new concept. By now, the shape of the future UAV has already been formed, and technical work is underway.

Simplicity and mass character

The OWL UAV will be as simple and cheap as possible, which will allow for its mass production and group use. Due to the large number of UAVs, it is planned to break through and suppress the enemy's air defenses. Massive OWL raids will help uncover enemy radar and firepower positions, which will be used to suppress them. Some of the UAVs will take over the fire, use up enemy ammunition, and the remaining drones will be able to reach their targets with less risk. After the enemy's air defenses are weakened, other forces, such as tactical aircraft with their air-to-ground ammunition, will take part in the strikes.

Plans for the future

The design of the OWL began at the end of last year and is nearing completion. The first flights of the prototype are scheduled for this fall. In the near future, MBDA plans to present the results to the French Ministry of Defense and begin negotiations on possible purchases. Upon receipt of the contract, the company is ready to launch mass production no later than 2027, assembling up to 1,000 OWL products per month.

MBDA is also in talks with an unnamed automotive company about joint production of UAVs, which may be related to the OWL project.

The suggested look

MBDA showed what the promising OWL UAVs will look like. The device will have a torpedo-shaped fuselage and a mid-mounted triangular wing with V-shaped tips. The airframe will be made of plastic and composites. It is assumed that the UAV will have limited radar visibility due to the use of some "stealth technologies".

The UAV will be equipped with a small-sized short-life turbojet engine with an air intake on the upper surface of the fuselage. Flight characteristics have not yet been announced, but the propulsion system will achieve high subsonic speeds and a range of hundreds of kilometers.

Control and launch

The UAV control system will be simple and cheap, using satellite navigation to plot a course to the target. Communication with ground facilities and the formation of a "swarm" are not provided. The UAV will launch from a catapult or an inclined guide mounted on suitable self-propelled platforms, which will ensure rapid and massive launch preparations.

Borrowed ideas

Russian attack UAVs "Geran-2" have become one of the main novelties used during the Special Operation to protect Donbass. Their successes attracted the attention of foreign armies, and France decided to create its own version of an attack drone similar to Russian and Iranian models.

The concept of an inexpensive and simple OWL attack UAV looks promising and has a great future. However, its real prospects depend on MBDA's ability to create a design that meets all specific requirements. The tests will begin in the fall, and then it will be possible to draw the first conclusions about its success.

Successful demonstration of electromagnetic warfare in Germany to evacuate civilians

 

A coalition of German defense companies successfully conducted the country's first aerial demonstration of electromagnetic warfare capabilities, simulating a malfunction of enemy air defense systems to ensure the safe evacuation of civilians.

A coordinated demonstration was held in Manching by Airbus, bKEC, HENSOLDT, IBM, MBDA, PLATH, Rohde & Schwarz and Schönhofer. It showed how manned and unmanned aircraft can use electromagnetic suppression to neutralize enemy radars and communication systems without using kinetic weapons.

The Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, equipped with electromagnetic surveillance and jamming equipment, served as a remote jamming platform. Acting from a safe distance, the PC-12 detected, classified and silenced the SA-8 air defense system, effectively depriving it of combat capabilities. After the threat was suppressed, the simulated Airbus A400M military transport aircraft was able to enter the zone undetected, land and evacuate civilians.

The MBDA plant in Bolton is expanding to increase production of anti-tank missiles

 

Meteor Rocket

Due to the large-scale rearmament of the European armies after the aggravation of the geopolitical situation, the plant for the production of anti-tank missiles in the city of Bolton (Great Britain) plans to double its capacity. This became known after the announcement of MBDA, one of the largest European developers of missile weapons, about its intention to invest 200 million pounds in modernization and expansion of production.

The expansion of the plant is due to the growing demand for modern anti-tank systems from NATO countries and other European countries seeking to strengthen their defense capabilities. The increase in production volumes will satisfy both UK government orders and export supplies.

The investment also coincides with the announced initiatives of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the European Commission to create a so-called "bank for defense, security and sustainability", which should ensure the coordination of procurement, logistics and strategic development of the EU defense sector and its partners.

This expansion marks an important step in rebuilding the European military industrial base, which has faced supply disruptions and ammunition shortages amid new security challenges.

Greece buys 16 EXOCET MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles from France

 

Greece and France have signed an interstate agreement on the purchase of 16 EXOCET MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles with the ability to attack ground targets. The signing took place in Athens in the presence of the Greek and French Defense Ministers Nikos Dendias and Sebastien Lecorny. The document was signed by Major General Ioannis Buras, Director General of the Directorate General for Defense Investments and Armaments (GDDIA), and MBDA representative Anni Cristina Ramon. 

Characteristics of EXOCET MM40 Block 3C missiles

- Firing range: over 200 km.

- Advanced guidance systems: The missiles are equipped with the latest guidance systems that provide high accuracy and resistance to electronic interference.

-The ability to attack ground targets: missiles can be used not only against ships, but also to attack ground targets.

These missiles will be used on the last two Roussen—class missile boats, HS Karathanasis (P78) and HS Vlachakos (P79). This will strengthen Greece's naval capabilities and improve its defensive capabilities.

France is developing an alternative to HIMARS by mid-2026

 

France plans to test a domestic rocket-propelled artillery system by mid-2026 as an alternative to the American highly mobile artillery missile system (HIMARS). 

This step could open up new opportunities for allies seeking to gain European capabilities.The French Directorate General of Armaments intends to identify technical solutions that will allow demonstration firing in a year.

DGA is working with the Safran and MBDA consortium, as well as the Thales and ArianeGroup consortium, to develop a tactical strike capability within a radius of 150 kilometers (93 miles).

France is running out of time to replace the Lance-Roquettes Unitaire, a modified version of the M270 multiple launch rocket system. The service life of the nine remaining systems at the disposal of the army is due to end in 2027.

Lawmakers and the military leadership insist on developing a domestic version, rather than purchasing from abroad, in accordance with France's policy of ensuring autonomy in defense matters.

Lockheed Martin integrates foreign missiles into Mark 41 VLS systems

 

Lockheed Martin is working to satisfy foreign interest in Mark 41 VLS road-mobile systems. To make the export of various systems more likely, a leading defense company is ready to integrate non-American missiles, such as those produced by the European MBDA or the Israeli IAI.

The United States' allied partners are showing significant interest in the expeditionary capabilities that Lockheed Martin is currently providing with its Mark 41 VLS family of road mobile systems., At the same time, the company is working on integrating new foreign missiles into various expeditionary systems to meet international interests in the field of air defense.

Lockheed Martin's expeditionary family includes the US Army's Medium Range Capability (MRC; formerly known as Typhon), the US Navy's Mark 70 Payload Delivery System (PDS), and the US Marine Corps' Long Range Fires Launcher (LRFL). All three systems are manufactured and assembled at the Lockheed Martin plant in Moorestown, New Jersey.

The systems use common launch equipment and can be recharged horizontally, eliminating the need for cranes and allowing for rapid reloading using a specialized logistics vehicle that uses rails to load and unload missile containers from the launchers.

For the US Army, interest is focused on Tomahawk and Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) cruise missiles. For the US Marine Corps, interest is primarily focused on Tomahawk cruise missiles from their single-element LRFL carriers. For the US Navy, the entire Aegis missile family is integrated to support increased lethality for Littoral combat ships.

With growing interest from foreign countries, foreign missiles from allied partners are being integrated as part of efforts to develop expeditionary air defense systems. Lockheed Martin was unable to disclose the countries involved, but confirmed that there are interested partners in Asia and Europe. Lockheed Martin's expeditionary launchers can serve as air defense systems for interested customers, Dobek said.

Belgium strengthens air defense with surface-to-air missiles

SAMP/T system

In the face of changing European security, Belgium has decided to strengthen its air defenses with modern surface-to-air missile systems. According to the latest data, Belgium is preparing to purchase the SAMP/T system developed by MBDA in collaboration with Thales. This decision is intended to fill a strategic gap in the country's defense system.

The SAMP/T (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform / Tactical) system is one of the most advanced European air defense systems. It is designed to protect against various types of aerial threats, including airplanes, helicopters, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. SAMP/T can be integrated with other defense systems, allowing for a comprehensive air defense system.

SAMP/T is based on the Aster missile system, which has already proven itself in the armed forces of several European countries. The system is equipped with high-tech radars and fire control systems, which allows it to effectively detect and neutralize aerial threats at long distances. SAMP/T can be used both in stationary and mobile mode, which makes it flexible and adaptable to various conditions.

MBDA, one of the largest European manufacturers of rocket technology, has developed the SAMP/T system in collaboration with Thales, the world's leading manufacturer of electronic systems for the military and civilian markets. This collaboration has combined the advanced technologies and expertise of the two companies, creating one of the most effective air defense systems in the world.

The purchase of the SAMP/T system is an important step in strengthening Belgium's defense system. This will allow the country to more effectively counter modern air threats and ensure the safety of its citizens. In addition, this decision underlines Belgium's commitment to cooperation with other European countries in the field of defense and security.

F-35B and Meteor missile: A milestone in the integration of British weapons onto an advanced American platform

The F-35B fighter successfully conducted the first test flights with the Meteor air-to-air missile

In the world of modern aviation, the achievement associated with the successful test flights of the F-35B fighter jet with the MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile represents an important step in the development of international cooperation and technological progress. These tests, carried out from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, opened a new chapter in the integration of British weapons systems onto one of the most advanced aviation platforms in the world.

The event, held at the Patuxent River base, was the culmination of a long-term project to adapt the British Meteor missile for use on the fifth-generation F-35B fighter jet. During the tests, an inert version of the rocket was launched, which was used to collect environmental data and verify the compatibility of the system with the aircraft's on-board computers. This stage of testing is part of a broader program aimed at ensuring the full combat readiness of the complex.

Meteor is a long—range supersonic missile developed by the European consortium MBDA. It is equipped with an active radar homing head and a ramjet jet engine, which allows it to maintain high speed and maneuverability even over long distances. The integration of this missile on the F-35B significantly expands the fighter's air combat capabilities, especially against modern threats.

The successful completion of the tests demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation between the United Kingdom and the United States in the field of defense technology. The F-35 program is one of the largest international projects in the history of the aviation industry, and Britain's participation in it underscores the strategic partnership between the two countries.

For the UK, the integration of the Meteor missile into the F-35B means strengthening its own air defense and attack capabilities. It also strengthens the country's position as one of the key developers of advanced weapons systems in Europe. For the United States, this event shows the flexibility and versatility of the F-35 platform, capable of working with various types of weapons from various partner countries.

This success was made possible by close cooperation between several parties.:

- The British Ministry of Defense: Provided financial and organizational support to the program.

- MBDA: Was responsible for the development and adaptation of the Meteor rocket for installation on the F-35B.

- Lockheed Martin: Performed work on the integration of the missile with the aircraft's onboard systems.

- The US Department of Defense: Provided access to the necessary resources and infrastructure for testing.

Such a partnership serves as an example of how international efforts can lead to the creation of truly global solutions in the defense sector.

Taking into account Meteor's unique characteristics, such as a range of up to 100+ km, high maneuverability and the ability to intercept targets at extreme speeds, the F-35B gets a significant advantage in aerial battles. This makes it an even more dangerous opponent for potential threats, especially in a complex electronic warfare environment.

Moreover, the use of a British missile on an American fighter jet opens up new horizons for other countries operating the F-35. Now they can consider installing similar systems to adapt the aircraft to their specific requirements.

The integration of the Meteor missile into the F-35B has become an important milestone in the development of modern aviation technology and international defense cooperation. This project demonstrates how technologies can be combined to create powerful and flexible systems capable of ensuring the security of allies in a changing world. The success of the tests not only strengthens the position of the UK and the USA as leaders in the defense industry, but also underlines the importance of collective efforts to address global challenges.