MBDA launches Counter Mass Interceptor

European missile manufacturer MBDA announced the launch of its Counter Mass Interceptor, a new missile designed to counter attacks by large numbers of low-cost munitions such as drones. The interceptor will be unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in England. MBDA stated that Europe currently lacks a sovereign system to address saturation attacks, forcing reliance on non-European systems from the United States, Israel, and others. The first version targets smaller drones and is expected to be available as early as 2028, with a longer-range variant planned later. Development is led by MBDA's British teams, with future iterations likely led by French counterparts. The system can be manufactured by industrial partners or directly by MBDA using existing facilities.