MBDA, the European leader in complex weapons systems, is attending the 18th Edition of Dubai Airshow taking place from 17th to 21st November.
Leveraging over 40 years of cooperation with the UAE, MBDA is an established and trusted long-term industrial partner in the Middle East region. Providing innovative military solutions through partnerships with local stakeholders, reflecting the Group’s commitment to fostering strategic cooperation. These partnerships drive innovation in the region. MBDA is actively contributing to the UAE’s defence and aerospace sector by sharing expertise, transferring technology and supporting joint development projects. This cooperation not only strengthens the capabilities of local industry, but also aligns with the UAE vision of advancing its technological landscape.
An illustration of MBDA commitment to cooperation in the UAE is the creation of the Missile Engineering Centre (MEC), with the Tawazun Council. Inaugurated in 2023, it being outside Europe makes it the first of its kind for MBDA. The MEC has strengthened the long-term partnership between the UAE and MBDA. It is establishing a bedrock to develop the next generation of smart weapons. Through significant local content, it is leveraging and reinforcing the sovereign capabilities of the UAE defence industry.
Innovating through cooperation is at the core of MBDA DNA. At the Dubai Airshow 2025, the Group will showcase its extensive expertise through its suite of advanced military capabilities developed over decades. The exhibition will feature the SMART family of weapons. This cutting-edge weaponry is a result of MBDA’s successful collaboration with local partners, and will be designed, developed and produced within the Missile Engineering Centre.
MBDA’s product display will also highlight interoperable systems that provide enhanced flexibility and agility in response to evolving threats. Such capabilities are essential as the Group continues to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of defence. An example is the new Diamond Shaped loitering munition, tailored specifically to meet the specific requirements of the Middle Eastern market.
The MBDA stand also has dedicated space to highlight the Group’s use of innovative technologies such as Artificial intelligence, which is now integrated in MBDA’s value chains. From the heart of missiles and effectors to decision support tools, in C2 systems, and collaborative weapons capability Orchestrike. Always following the principle of “ethics by design”. These cutting-edge solutions showcase high performance products that demonstrate unwavering MBDA commitment to providing customers with unrivalled operational capabilities.
On display at MBDA’s Dubai Airshow stand, in the air dominance area, visitors will find the SMART CRUISER and SMART GLIDER belonging to the SMART family of weapons. Compact and intelligent air-to-ground effectors with AI-enabled capabilities permitting collaborative and swarming engagement.
Both are due to be developed in cooperation with the Tawazun Council and local defence industry. Alongside them is METEOR, the beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) system designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat in the 21st century.
In the effectors area is the innovative Diamond Shaped loitering munition. Designed for precision strikes on critical targets, it will meet growing international demand. There is also AKERON RCX, loitering munition on show. The ONE WAY EFFECTOR (OWE), first unveiled at Paris Le Bourget this year, is also on show, representing a trade-off between the need for mass and performance at lower cost to meet the challenges faced by armed forces in a high-intensity context.
Within the ground-based air defence (GBAD) area, visitors will find SKY WARDEN, the counter-UAV (C-UAV) solution that faces the entire spectrum of drone threats. From micro drones to tactical drones or loitering munitions, as well as other classic air breathing threats. With both a C-UAV and GBAD engagement chain, it can also integrate with other showcased products. These include; the MISTRAL ATLAS RC the uses the MISTRAL 3 missile, and the laser capability HELMA-P (High Energy Laser for Multiple Applications). A solution by CILAS, a French company specialising in lasers for military applications, in which MBDA has acquired a majority stake.
Additionally on display in the GBAD area are solutions covering from very-short to medium and long ranges. ASTER B1NT, the latest evolution of the backbone missile for long-range European air defence. This French-Italian cooperation programme is intended to support Armed Forces well beyond 2060. For medium-range there is VL MICA NG, a 360° system particularly effective against saturation attacks carried out by low signature targets such as guided bombs and missiles (including cruise missiles). There is also CAMM-ER, the extended-range version of the CAMM family of air defence missiles. Incorporating advanced technologies, CAMM-ER provides complete protection against all known and projected air targets.
Finally, in the battlefield missions zone visitors will see anti-tank and precision strike capabilities. The AKERON family of fifth generation multi-purpose combat missile systems for land and naval operations, and Enforcer the shoulder-launched guided weapon system, suitable for engaging a wide target set to reach highest precision beyond the range of unguided weapons.
MBDA is a unique multi-national European group, a world-leader in the field of complex weapon systems, playing a key role in keeping nations safe. Created in the spirit of international co-operation, MBDA and its 18,000+ employees work together to support the national sovereignty of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, and their allies worldwide.
As an accelerator for innovation, MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapons to meet the full range of current and future operational requirements of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%) and Leonardo (25%) jointly own MBDA.
