MBDA Unveils Hybrid DefendAir–DEWS-L Counter-Drone System Combining 24 DefendAir Missiles and Laser Weapon on Single Turret
AI Analysis
MBDA Germany unveiled the Combined DefendAir–DEWS-L system, a hybrid counter-drone solution integrating 24 DefendAir interceptor missiles with a high-energy laser weapon on a single turret. This system is designed to protect critical infrastructure and deployed forces against a range of UAS threats, including swarms and loitering munitions. The system prioritizes layered defense, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.
Key Takeaways
- The system combines kinetic (DefendAir missile, >5km range) and directed energy (DEWS-L laser) capabilities for layered defense.
- DefendAir missiles are derived from the Enforcer missile family, leveraging existing technology.
- The 24-cell missile launcher provides substantial magazine depth for engaging multiple or swarming threats.
- DEWS-L offers a low-cost-per-engagement option for short-range drones, conserving missile stocks.
- System design focuses on protection, deterrence, and scalability for diverse operational environments.
Why It Matters
The integration of both missile and laser technologies represents a significant advancement in counter-UAS capabilities, offering a more versatile and cost-effective defense against evolving drone threats. This system addresses the increasing need for robust, layered defenses for critical infrastructure and military assets, particularly against saturation attacks. The emphasis on scalability suggests potential for widespread adoption and integration into existing air defense architectures.
MBDA Unveils Hybrid DefendAir–DEWS-L Counter-Drone System Combining 24 DefendAir Missiles and Laser Weapon on Single Turret
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 s