HYDEF Programme reaches milestone with completion of the Mission Definition Review

The MDR focused on evaluating the operational concepts, capabilities, and expected performance of the interceptor options developed so far. Key aspects reviewed included user and mission requirements, a threat analysis, and identification of weapons and sensor systems. The mission was defined through a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and a set of scenarios, along with Initial Common Requirements (ICRs) provided by the five Participating States (PSs): Belgium, Germany, Norway, Poland, and Spain. This process led to the establishment of a set of Top-Level Requirements (TLRs) for the system.

A multi-layered Top-Level Architecture was envisaged based on the TLRs, with requirements defined at all levels. A set of simulators will be developed in the upcoming Feasibility Phase to assess key performance indicators of critical architecture elements. Preliminary requirements assessments were also conducted for the sub-elements of the interceptor, which will serve as the foundation for further requirements analysis and feasibility studies in the next phase.

The technical outcomes of the MDR will underpin the feasibility study of the HYDEF interceptor and the early development of critical technologies and designs. Following the MDR meeting, a full-scale test firing demonstration of a Ramjet was conducted at NAMMO’s test facility, showcasing progress in propulsion technology that will be integral to the interceptor’s performance.

About the HYDEF Programme

Launched in response to a 2021 European Defence Fund (EDF) call, the HYDEF Programme aims to develop an endo-atmospheric interceptor concept for air defence against hypersonic threats. The programme is closely linked to the PESCO EU initiative “Timely Warning and Interception with Space-Based Theatre Surveillance” (TWISTER) and seeks to advance Europe’s capabilities in intercepting high-velocity aerial threats.

Funded with €110 million, the HYDEF Programme is primarily supported by the EU European Defence Fund, which contributes €100 million, with the remaining €10 million funded by the five Participating States. The programme’s main goal is to research and define a European interceptor that incorporates advanced propulsion, aerodynamics, guidance systems, and state-of-the-art sensors, enabling it to neutralize hypersonic threats with high manoeuvrability.

The HYDEF Consortium comprises 14 companies from seven European nations, all experienced in high-performance air defence components. The programme is coordinated by SMS, a Spanish company based in Madrid, with technical leadership provided by Germany’s Diehl Defence, based at Lake Constance. Consortium members include companies such as SONACA from Belgium, NAMMO from Norway, and Navantia from Spain, among others.

Over the next three years, the HYDEF Consortium will focus on the concept study phase to assess the feasibility of the interceptor. This phase includes the MDR (Pre-Feasibility) and PRR (Feasibility or Phase A), along with parallel efforts to mature critical technologies and designs.