“MBDA at DIMDEX: Shaping the Future of Defense Through Innovative Technology”
MBDA proudly participates in the eighth edition of DIMDEX (Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference – Hall 4, stand number 108) as a Gold Sponsor, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to this significant event and showcasing state-of-the-art defence technologies.
With an established partnership and collaboration with Qatar, MBDA has been supplying its most sophisticated missile systems that are integrated across maritime, land, and air platforms. The organization continuously supports the Qatar National Vision 2030 with its innovative offerings aimed at enhancing national security and defence capabilities.
Holding a strong presence in the MENA region, MBDA is devoted to arming defence and security forces with cutting-edge missile systems: from advanced weapon systems on primary air platforms chosen in the Gulf region, such as the Rafale and Typhoon, to naval systems which include Aster family missiles for maritime air defence and the anti-ship Exocet MM40 Block 3 and Marte MK2/N, along with air defence VL MICA missiles.
Innovation and collaboration are fundamental to MBDA’s philosophy, providing the groundwork for addressing new and complex defence and security situations. MBDA’s involvement in DIMDEX this year aligns perfectly with the exhibition’s theme of “Igniting the Future of Maritime Security and Beyond,” offering a prime opportunity to present the firm’s leading solutions and capabilities. As such, MBDA will showcase a diverse range of advanced and next-generation systems to reinforce air, land, and naval security.
The AKERON MP and MARTE ER represent key offerings from MBDA highlighted at DIMDEX. The Akeron MP stands out as one of MBDA’s premier systems, being the only 5th generation combat-proven missile currently fielded, rigorously tested and validated in diverse extreme scenarios, ensuring operators’ protection during engagements with ease of deployment, the ability to “fire and forget,” or engage targets while remaining concealed. Consequently, the Akeron MP is designed with the evolutionary potential vital for future modern land combat systems. As a lightweight missile, it can be easily fitted on all naval platforms, delivering high precision against small and agile vessels, as well as static or dynamic land targets, over varying distances while enabling swift and uncomplicated reloading at sea. The Akeron family also encompasses the AKERON LP, a long-range multi-role guided missile of the 5th generation, featuring advanced technologies in optronics, warhead design, RF data link, guidance, and image processing algorithms utilizing Artificial Intelligence principles and data fusion.
MARTE ER is a crucial element of Qatar’s Missile Defence Coastal Batteries, together with the Exocet MM40 Block 3. The nation effectively employed the Coastal Defence missile system during the 2022 Football World Cup, with MBDA executing substantial deliveries to ensure operational preparedness prior to the event, enabling the Qatar Armed Forces to enhance their air defence abilities. Marte ER was selected to equip the multi-role NH90 helicopters (specifically the naval NFH -NATO Frigate Helicopter) for the Qatari Air Force. This versatile missile is perfectly suited for deployment on future Fast Attack Craft, given its high adaptability across land, air, and naval platforms. Marte ER, Exocet MM40 Block 3, alongside VL Mica and Aster B1, are proudly exhibited at the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces booth during DIMDEX this year.
MBDA’s new generation air defence technologies crafted to protect ground and naval assets are represented at the main stand by Aster B1 NT. With its improved target acquisition range and capability to counter tactical ballistic missiles, it guarantees an expanded defensive coverage area, soon to support the new SAMP/T batteries for the Italian and French Armed Forces. In addition to this missile, which provides a solution for top-layer air defence, MBDA is also showcasing Mistral 3, as part of a comprehensive range of capabilities and technologies addressing all tiers of air defence within the MBDA portfolio—from very short to long-range.
To counter modern UAV threats, MBDA is endorsing its Sky Warden solution as the most advanced technological response. The system can manage the entire C-UAS kill chain, from detection to neutralisation. Designed to operate as either an integrated component within a layered air defence system or as a standalone unit, Sky Warden is modular, scalable, and adaptable, fitting various complex operational frameworks.
Meteor and Storm Shadow are two notable offerings displayed for air superiority, both featured at the Qatar Emiri Air Force booth. Meteor is a cornerstone in MBDA’s collaborative efforts and will continue to advance next-generation air-to-air combat, already integrated into the latest combat aircraft including Eurofighter, Rafale, and Gripen, with ongoing integration into the F-35 fighter.
Building on the strong partnership with Qatar, MBDA is committed to supplying the nation with its finest and most innovative products and systems, which will be showcased at DIMDEX 2024.
