Demand for missiles from the Gulf is growing and Mbda is accelerating production.
The leading European missile group reports growing interest from Gulf countries, in a context marked by tensions and continuous Iranian attacks. The war in the Gulf is indeed driving demand for air defense systems, and Mbda is preparing to further increase production by 40% in 2026, after the strong production increase recorded by Mbda since 2022, culminating in the doubling of missiles produced last year.
This was announced by CEO Éric Béranger during the annual press conference presenting the results of the European missile group, jointly owned by Airbus (37.5%), Bae Systems (37.5%), and Leonardo (25%).
In 2025 Mbda recorded revenues of 5.8 billion euros, up from 4.9 billion euros in 2024. Growth was driven by production ramp-up, increased deliveries, and important contracts signed with European and international partners, as well as the growing adoption of advanced technologies to address evolving global threats. Orders stood at 13.2 billion euros (70% of which came from European customers), while the total backlog reached 44.4 billion.
“After the Ukrainian shock, the shift from international order dominance to brute force dominance has again crossed a new threshold with the conflict in Iran,” explained Mbda’s top executive at the conference in Paris. “Missile systems have emerged as a critical capability.”
All the details.
PRODUCTION INCREASE
During the conference, Béranger stated he expects an overall production increase of 40% by 2026, with a further rise in the production of certain air defense missiles, due to pressure exerted by the war with Iran on Western stocks. The CEO highlighted how the group’s production capacity has already doubled between 2023 and the end of 2025. And growth will not stop: a further 40% increase is expected for 2026.
“Mbda’s continuous and successful industrial ramp-up is an important achievement for 2025 and reflects the challenges we are facing,” emphasized Béranger.
“Mbda is today more than ever essential for Europe as a key resource for the continent’s resilience and collective defense, providing our armed forces with the necessary tools to protect our freedoms, democratic model, and values,” he added.
IT WILL DOUBLE ASTER PRODUCTION, USED IN UKRAINE
Among the most relevant programs is the strengthening of production of air defense missiles, such as the Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, used by Ukraine and Gulf countries to intercept Russian and Iranian drones respectively. “We will double Aster production, and that is a huge goal,” explained Béranger, emphasizing the focus on air defense systems.
As Defense News recalls, Mbda’s Aster missile family is “used in the Samp/T air defense system, the only European alternative to the American Patriot system, as well as for the high-level air defense of the French, Italian, and British navies.”
Regarding Italian activities, Mbda’s CEO confirmed the ongoing creation of a new integration line for the Aster at the Aulla-La Spezia plant and the strengthening of capacity at Fusaro.
THE INVESTMENT PLAN
Moreover, Mbda announced a strengthening of the industrial plan, with investments doubled compared to what was planned in 2025. The new plan foresees 5 billion euros to be allocated to the development of production capacities in Europe during the 2026-2030 period. To support this plan, the group expects to hire about 2,800 people in 2026. “All within European territory,” Béranger specified, recalling that a year ago the programming foresaw 2.5 billion in investments by 2025. “I would like to clarify that all these decisions were made before the Iranian crisis, which makes the need to intensify efforts to accelerate the process even more urgent.” Evaluations of “further investment possibilities” are underway, he added.
MBDA INVOLVED IN AIR SHIELDS UNDER STUDY IN EUROPE
Finally, Mbda confirms itself as a key player in European air defense systems and aims to play a role also in future shields under development by governments and industry, from Thales’ SkyDefender to Leonardo’s Michelangelo Dome. This was highlighted by CEO Eric Béranger responding to journalists’ questions.
Regarding Michelangelo Dome, Béranger specified that he is “not personally involved” because it is an Italian program, but that “Leonardo is one of our shareholders and there are many discussions happening on many topics between Leonardo and Mbda Italy.” As for Thales’ SkyDefender, he added that “the main component is the Samp-T, particularly the Samp-T Ng, which is a collaboration between Mbda and Thales where we provide the missile and Thales the radars in one configuration, while in the other it is Leonardo.” “We are an integral part of all this one way or another, because in the end an effector is needed, something that produces the military effect,” reiterated Mbda’s CEO.
“Air defense works in layers, like an onion,” the French manager then explained, recalling how Mbda is present along the entire chain: from the Skywarden anti-drone system at the first level, to the Mistral for very short range, up to new capabilities in development such as Fulgur in Italy and DefendAir in Germany. At the next levels are the VL Mica and Camm, up to higher-tier systems like Aster, Hydis, and the Patriot in Germany. “Mbda is involved in all these systems.”
Regarding hypersonic missile defense, Béranger revealed that Mbda will decide by the end of the year also on the Hydis project “for the defense of European populations,” developed with 19 partners in 14 European countries.
