BERLIN — June 09, 2026 : MBDA Germany has unveiled a new hybrid counter-drone air defense concept at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) 2026, introducing the Combined DefendAir–DEWS-L Asset Protection System, a Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) solution designed to counter the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including drone swarms, loitering munitions, and other low-cost aerial threats.
The newly revealed system combines DefendAir short-range counter-UAS interceptor missiles with a high-energy laser weapon on a single palletized turret, creating a layered defense capability that can engage threats across multiple ranges and attack profiles. The platform is intended to provide protection for military bases, critical infrastructure, logistics hubs, command centers, forward operating bases, and deployed forces.
Hybrid Missile and Laser Configuration
At the center of the system is a highly mobile palletized turret equipped with 24 LFK DefendAir missiles alongside the Directed Energy Weapon System-Laser (DEWS-L). The integrated design allows operators to select the most suitable engagement method depending on the type, range, and complexity of the threat.
The DefendAir missile serves as the system’s kinetic or hard-kill component. Developed specifically for counter-drone missions, it is optimized to engage small and medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles at ranges exceeding 5 kilometers. The missile is capable of intercepting highly maneuverable and fast-moving aerial targets and can engage multiple threats simultaneously in all directions.
DefendAir is derived from technologies used in MBDA’s Enforcer missile family, allowing the company to leverage an existing technology base to accelerate development and production. The missile's 24-cell launcher configuration provides substantial magazine depth, enabling the system to respond effectively to large-scale drone attacks and swarm scenarios.
Complementing the missile layer is the DEWS-L high-energy laser weapon, which provides a low-cost engagement option against drones operating at shorter ranges. Unlike conventional interceptors, the laser uses electrical power rather than physical ammunition, allowing repeated engagements without depleting missile stocks. This significantly reduces the cost per engagement when confronting inexpensive commercial drones and other low-tier aerial threats.
The laser also offers speed-of-light engagement and precise target tracking, making it suitable for neutralizing nearby drones while preserving missile inventory for more complex or distant threats.
Designed Around Protection, Deterrence and Scalability
According to MBDA Germany, the Combined DefendAir–DEWS-L system has been developed around three key operational principles: protection, deterrence, and scalability.
Under the protection concept, the system is designed to provide continuous 360-degree defense of critical assets against reconnaissance drones, attack drones, and coordinated aerial incursions. Its combination of missiles and laser technology creates multiple engagement layers intended to improve survivability for protected forces and infrastructure.
The deterrence aspect focuses on creating a robust defensive environment that complicates adversary planning. By combining a large missile inventory with a continuously available laser weapon, the system is designed to counter both individual drones and coordinated swarm attacks.
Scalability forms the third pillar of the program. MBDA stated that the system follows a design-to-cost philosophy intended to support large-scale production and fielding. The company is currently increasing production of DefendAir missiles at its facilities in Schrobenhausen, Germany, following a major procurement agreement signed with the German Armed Forces.
Supporting Germany’s Air Defense Modernization
The development of DefendAir is part of Germany’s broader effort to strengthen short-range air defense and counter-drone capabilities. In November 2025, Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) awarded MBDA a contract covering the development and procurement of the DefendAir missile.
The missile is also planned for integration with the Skyranger 30 air-defense system, further expanding its role within Germany’s evolving air-defense architecture.
The unveiling of the Combined DefendAir–DEWS-L system comes amid growing international interest in layered counter-drone defenses. Military forces worldwide are increasingly seeking solutions that combine kinetic interceptors with directed-energy weapons to address the expanding use of low-cost unmanned systems on modern battlefields.
Laser Technology Development
The new system also reflects MBDA’s long-term investment in directed-energy weapon technologies. In January 2026, MBDA Germany and Rheinmetall announced the creation of a joint venture dedicated to the development of operational laser weapon systems.
The partnership builds upon several years of testing and technology demonstrations, including successful trials involving a naval laser demonstrator aboard a German Navy frigate. These programs have demonstrated the potential of laser weapons to defeat drones, loitering munitions, and other short-range aerial threats.
By combining mature missile technologies with advancing directed-energy capabilities, MBDA aims to reduce developmental risks while accelerating the introduction of operational hybrid air-defense systems.
Future Deployment Plans
MBDA stated that the Combined DefendAir–DEWS-L Asset Protection System is intended to achieve initial operational deployment before the end of the decade. Although detailed technical specifications for the DEWS-L laser component and full production schedules have not yet been disclosed, the company views the system as a significant contribution to Europe's expanding air-defense network.
The platform is also expected to support objectives under the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a multinational effort aimed at strengthening European air and missile defense capabilities through greater cooperation and integrated defense solutions.
As drone threats continue to increase in scale, complexity, and operational importance, the Combined DefendAir–DEWS-L system represents MBDA’s latest effort to provide armed forces with a flexible, layered, and scalable solution capable of defending against a broad spectrum of unmanned aerial threats.
——— End of Article ———
