The combat takes place outside the radar horizon of individual ground-based systems and means special requirements for the reliability, latency and precision of the track data and data connections. The respective performance capabilities of the reconnaissance and tracking sensors and of a defensive guided missile influence the optimal solution in each case.
The characteristics of the various hypersonic threats require the appropriate distance capability, high maneuverability along the flight path and agility in the final approach of a defensive guided missile. A multi-stage missile concept based on the proven RamJet technology from Bayern-Chemie – which is also used in the METEOR program – can form the basis here. Cost-efficient, mechanically resilient high-temperature materials, new types of air intakes and future-proof fuels are key technologies that are available in Germany and must be put into use.
Successful target detection and tracking are equally important and are achieved using the missile’s own sensors, the latest seeker sensors and guidance and control procedures. Target detection will therefore likely involve a combination of radar and multispectral infrared seeker technologies that are adapted to the endoatmospheric conditions above 20 km altitude. This is precisely what MBDA is pursuing as part of its research and development to counter hypersonic threats.
Artificial intelligence (AI) methods will also support the detection and combat process against attacking hypersonic threats. AI will, among other things, accelerate combat and flight path planning and optimize signal processing in the missile’s seeker head with the aim of enabling more precise and reliable target tracking in the final phase.
However, the following still applies: people make the decision, and technology supports it. This philosophy also applies to the complex task of defending against hypersonic threats. Because it is about protecting or endangering human life – a person has to make the decision. MBDA’s work on this topic takes these ethical and technical issues into account.
A national path to cost-effective threat defence
“First-person view” or FPV drones are currently being used widely on the battlefield in Ukraine. An increasing degree of autonomy, increasing networking and resilience against electronic jamming are currently emerging and will increase in the coming months. However, the main development is taking place within an economic framework. The effort required to fend off a small drone is approximately a hundred to a thousand times more expensive than the threat to be fended off.
The high-energy laser effector from MBDA Germany can be used to protect aircraft, ships or soldiers and their infrastructure against these threats, among others. By using special mirror optics, a very high laser output of more than 100 kW is possible, and the system is designed for different laser sources. This future-proof principle enables much higher laser outputs than are available today. The high-performance image processing enables a high-precision tracking system and thus extremely accurate shots on target.
With the laser weapon demonstrator (LWD) on the frigate 124 SACHSEN, it was demonstrated in 2023 that a laser weapon is capable of successfully combating a wide variety of targets in the maritime environment. In the near future, high-energy laser effectors will thus take the step into the development phases to complement tube weapons and guided missiles, in particular to augment the defense against drones, drone swarms or possibly guided missiles at close and very short range.
Semi-autonomous systems and network centric solutions
It is not only in air defense that weapons systems are becoming faster, more intelligent and more networked. Countries such as China, Russia (despite all the sanctions) and the USA are leading the way and proving the importance of these approaches. The technological lead achieved in these countries and which can be further achieved in the future is unlikely to be given up due to the operational advantages this would provide.
This must also characterise national (and European) approaches. First of all, this means that we must develop at least a national assessment capability in these areas in order to understand and seize the threat potential, but also the opportunities for operational success and the protection of our soldiers.
In the area of air defense, we are also talking about systems that are intended to protect not only soldiers, but also the civilian population in our cities. In this respect, we must consistently exploit the advantages offered by both (semi-)autonomous and networked systems.
In order to help shape this development – and not “run after it” – it is necessary for industry and the armed forces to jointly define the goals and develop solutions. Politics must support these approaches. Institutions such as the Cyber Innovation Hub show that this form of cooperation is fundamentally possible. Cooperation can – and MBDA has shown this in other areas – be established both industrially (inter)nationally and industry-to-government in order to arrive at quick and comprehensive solutions by summarizing all knowledge.
It is important that available innovative solutions are implemented quickly. The overarching goal of achieving war capability and supplying national armed forces with the best possible military equipment must be kept in mind. However, in the area of innovation in particular, there is also a risk of missing out on significant operational advantages that can be achieved through innovation by procuring commercially available material at short notice.
Of course, we must take the current threat situation into account, but we must not lose sight of the fact that we also have to prepare for the wars of the future. These will be fought with drones, artificial intelligence, hypersonic missiles and in multidimensional space.
The industrial base – a prerequisite for war-ready armed forces
The above-mentioned HYDIS2 project example with the system leadership of MBDA Germany shows well that an industrial base characterized by high technical competence and initiative provides the basis for successful competition and system leadership.
Competence, technical know-how and technology must be available and further developed in the country. This means that both the client, the German Armed Forces, and industry must provide the necessary capacities in training, research and development. This is a task that the state, society and industry can only accomplish together. When it comes to defense-related aspects, a social consensus must also be reached on their promotion.
Particularly in the area of air defense and the lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict, it seems necessary in the future to provide special support for industrial efforts to build an industrial base. Early announcements of defense investments in corresponding projects can help to build and maintain this base.
Another aspect, particularly from the perspective of demographic developments, is the promotion of employment in armaments companies, such as MBDA in Schrobenhausen. Obstacles to engaging with armaments, such as the civil clauses at universities, must be removed and young people encouraged to get involved in the armaments industry to build up national defense capabilities.
