The decision marks a significant step before the conclusion of the HYDIS Concept Phase in May 2027. The project is aimed at defining a sovereign European interceptor capable of responding to hypersonic and ballistic threats.
Over recent months, consortium partners led by MBDA have worked across the interceptor and weapon system design areas. The effort has involved industrial partners, research institutes, academics and start-ups working on design and technology maturation activities.
The technical work included studies to refine solid rocket motor-based concepts in line with customer requirements. MBDA said the HYDIS team also carried out an extensive performance assessment to evaluate interception capability and area protection for the most promising concepts.
The assessment was based on simulation work with an enhanced representation of the different phases of the interceptor’s fly-out. MBDA said the selected concept benefited from the expertise of consortium members across propulsion, control systems and sensor technology.
AVIO contributed to the solid rocket motor propulsive architecture. ArianeGroup and ROXEL supported the final interceptor stage control mechanism, while LYNRED contributed to the terminal infrared sensor.
MBDA said these elements were integrated into a coherent concept based on its experience in complex weapon systems. The consortium has also made progress on integrating the interceptor into a complete weapon system.
Thales Netherlands provided refined performance data for both naval and ground sensor suite options. GKN Fokker advanced the assessment of ammunition integration into the MK41 naval launcher.
The results of the studies were reviewed over six weeks by the HYDIS customer community, comprising OCCAR, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, and the four participating states. MBDA said the review allowed detailed exchanges and iterations between the customers and the consortium.
A convergence week was then used to address and resolve technical questions before presenting an agreed picture to the HYDIS nations Steering Committee on 10 July. MBDA said the milestone demonstrates the consortium’s expertise in hypersonic and ballistic threats, supported by knowledge of air defence systems.
The company said the HYDIS team has a robust capability to design an advanced sovereign interceptor that responds to Europe’s operational needs. Until the end of the Concept Phase in 2027, the consortium will focus on refining the selected concept.
MBDA said this work is intended to provide a strong technical basis for the following programme phases. The selected concept will now serve as the foundation for further development of the European interceptor.
