MBDA medium range solutions for defending sovereign airspace

THE evolution of air threats has fundamentally shifted what armed forces face today. There’s a broader range of complex stand-off capabilities. Cruise missiles are launched from air, land, and sea platforms hundreds of kilometres from their targets. They exploit terrain-following technology to minimize detection and reaction times. Supersonic and even hypersonic speeds further limit reaction times, drastically reducing target acquisition times and depriving defenders of adequate warning.

Unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) evade detection, allowing them to approach targets closely before releasing precision-guided munitions and tactical air-to-surface missiles.

Modern battlefields have also seen the rise in drones and one-way effectors with relatively low procurement costs, using them in swarming tactics intended to overwhelm air defences.

Adversaries deliberately combine these systems in coordinated saturation attacks from multiple bearings to maximize the likelihood of penetrating air defences.

Robust capabilities to counter such attacks are indispensable.

The solution needed

While VSHORAD and SHORAD are essential for close-in defence, only an MRAD layer provides broad-area coverage, reducing overall resource requirements and increasing efficiency.

MRAD systems in an integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) architecture delivers protection by enabling early intercepts at range, with VSHORAD/SHORAD backup at close range. This maximizes engagement opportunities and ensures continuous coverage against a wide range of air threats.

Operators also need systems that can engage multiple targets at once, helping counter saturation attacks and maximizing defensive coverage. Helped by having a centrally controlled Command and Control (C2) system that facilitates rapid information sharing. Reducing the need for numerous sensors and streamlining resource allocation improves reaction times, resulting in stronger and more adaptive air defence.

Capabilities that deliver an effect

New MRAD systems increase defensive reach cost-effectively due to advances in seeker, rocket motor, and launch technologies, resulting in fewer systems required to protect large areas.

MBDA’s portfolio illustrates how modern layered air defence approaches respond to that challenge through two core MRAD systems: EMADS (Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions) and VL-MICA NG (Vertical Launch MICA – Next Generation).

EMADS

EMADS provides land-based forces with a highly effective, deployable air defence system, operable as a standalone unit or within a network. It uses third-party target data from the wider battlespace to engage non-line-of-sight threats.

Its lightweight, compact design ensures easy transport by conventional vehicles. Soft Vertical Launch technology delivers 360° defence and allows quick, flexible deployment, even in challenging environments.

Each launcher can carry multiple CAMM or CAMM-ER missiles, covering simultaneous threats, and features high mobility, including off-road use.

The launcher receives pre-launch targeting data from radar, with in-flight updates delivered to enhance interception performance.

VL-MICA

VL MICA GBAD features upgraded missiles, a modern operations centre, and advanced radar technology.

This system delivers high mobility, deployment flexibility, and protects major sites. It can operate autonomously or within an integrated air defence network.

The new VL MICA missile, with a bi-pulse motor, doubles interception range over the previous generation. It offers high kill probability, simultaneous multiple-shot capability, and autonomous guidance with a high firing rate. Operationally, VL MICA requires less maintenance, reduced manpower, and has a long service life.