“MBDA at DIMDEX: Pioneering Tomorrow’s Defense with Cutting-Edge Technology”
As MBDA participates in the eighth edition of DIMDEX (Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference – Hall 4, stand n. 108), by reasserting its enduring and consistent dedication to this pivotal event as a Gold Sponsor, the firm persistently emphasizes cutting-edge defence technologies.
MBDA benefits from a longstanding alliance and collaboration with Qatar, where the organization has been delivering its most sophisticated missile systems integrated on maritime, terrestrial, and aerial platforms. It continuously backs the Qatar National Vision 2030 with its cutting-edge and next-generation offerings designed to enhance the nation’s security and defence.
With a robust presence in the MENA region, MBDA remains dedicated to equipping defence and security forces with the most advanced and superior missile systems: from weapon systems on the primary air platforms selected in the Gulf region, such as Rafale and Typhoon, to products and systems for naval forces that encompass Aster family missiles for maritime-based air defence, alongside the anti-ship Exocet MM40 Block 3 and Marte MK2/N, in addition to air defence VL MICA missiles.
Innovation and collaboration are integral to MBDA’s ethos, forming the foundation from which the company navigates new and complex scenarios where defence and security are imperative. MBDA’s participation in DIMDEX this year aligns seamlessly with the exhibition’s central theme of “Igniting the Future of Maritime Security and Beyond,” providing a prime opportunity to showcase the firm’s primary solutions and capabilities. Thus, MBDA will be highlighting a diverse range of its advanced and next-generation systems to bolster air, land, and naval defence.
The new AKERON MP and MARTE ER represent just two of the most advanced MBDA offerings featured at DIMDEX. The Akeron MP is one of MBDA’s premier systems being exhibited. It is the sole 5th generation combat-proven missile currently in service, operationally tested and validated in varied extreme and complex settings, where operators also require protection during engagements with simplicity of deployment, the capability to “fire and forget,” or engage a target while remaining concealed. Consequently, the Akeron MP’s design encompasses the growth potential essential for future modern land combat systems. As a lightweight missile, it can be easily mounted on all naval platforms, delivering high precision against small and swift vessels, as well as static or fast-moving terrestrial targets, at all ranges while ensuring rapid and straightforward reloading at sea. The Akeron family also features the AKERON LP, a 5th generation long-range multi-role guided missile, incorporating advanced technologies in terms of optronics, warhead, RF data link, guidance, and image processing algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence principles and data fusion.
MARTE ER is already one of the vital components of Qatar’s Missile Defence Coastal Batteries, alongside Exocet MM40 Block 3. The country effectively utilized the Missile Coastal Defence system during the recent Football World Cup in 2022, with MBDA completing significant deliveries to ensure operational readiness ahead of the event, enabling the Qatar Armed Forces to enhance and support its air defence capabilities. Marte ER was also selected to equip the multi-role NH90 helicopters (specifically, the naval NFH -NATO Frigate Helicopter) for the Qatari Air Force. This versatile missile is an ideal candidate for equipping the future Fast Attack Craft, given its high flexibility across ground, air, and naval platforms. Marte ER and Exocet MM40 Block 3, along with VL Mica and Aster B1, are proudly showcased at the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces booth at DIMDEX this year.
MBDA’s new generation of air defence technologies devised to safeguard terrestrial and naval assets is represented at the primary stand by Aster B1 NT. With its enhanced target acquisition range and capability to handle tactical ballistic missiles, it ensures an extended footprint of defended areas, soon supporting the new SAMP/T batteries for the Italian and French Armed Forces. In addition to this missile, representing a solution for top-layer air defence, MBDA is also presenting Mistral 3, as part of a range of capabilities and technologies capable of addressing all layers of air defence in the MBDA portfolio— from very short to long range.
To ensure protection against modern UAV assaults, MBDA is promoting its Sky Warden solution as the most sophisticated technological response. The system can manage the complete C-UAS kill chain, from detection to neutralisation. Designed to function both as an integrated component in a layered air defence framework or in a standalone setup, Sky Warden is a modular, scalable, and adaptable system capable of accommodating specific complex operational settings.
Meteor and Storm Shadow are just two of the offerings on display for air superiority, both also showcased at the Qatar Emiri Air Force booth. The first is a cornerstone of MBDA collaboration and will continue to evolve next-generation air-to-air combat as it is already integrated into the most contemporary combat aircraft, including Eurofighter, Rafale, and Gripen, with ongoing integration onto the F-35 fighter.
Building on the enduring partnership with Qatar, MBDA is wholeheartedly committed to providing the country with its finest and next-generation products and systems, which will be featured at DIMDEX 2024.
