A historic European acquisition to counter aerial threats

On November 14, 2024, the European Commission announced the selection of five projects under the scheme EDIRPA (European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act). Among them, the joint acquisition of missiles Mistral 3supported by France and eight European countries, marks a fundamental step in strengthening European air defense.

An ambitious project for reinforced defense

The project brings together nine European nations: Belgium, Chypre, Estonia, Hungary, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, Denmark et France. Thanks to this unprecedented cooperation, these countries will benefit from the joint acquisition of 1 500 missiles Mistral 3in a contract managed by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) with the company MBDA.

This initiative meets two major objectives:

Strengthen the anti-air and anti-missile defense of participating countriesin the face of evolving air threats.

Supporting the European defense industry by consolidating its competitiveness, robustness and resilience through joint orders.

The European framework: EDIRPA, a collective dynamic

The project is part of theEDIRPAa system designed to encourage European Union member countries to pool their resources for joint strategic purchases. The framework cooperation arrangement for this project was signed on June 19, 2024on the sidelines of the show Eurosatoryan international showcase for defense innovations.

This selection by the European Commission validates the desire for cooperation between member countries to meet the growing security challenges in airspace, while offering increased visibility at the European defense industrial and technological base.

The Mistral 3 missile: cutting-edge technology for modern threats

The Mistral 3 is a surface-to-air defense missile very short rangerecognized for its advanced technology and ability to neutralize a wide range of aerial threats. Designed in “fire and forget” mode, it combines great vitesse and one maneuverability exceptional.

Main features:

Targets : fighters, transport planes, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles and lapping munitions.

Dimensions and weight : less than 2 meters long and weighing less than 20 kg.

Operability : its lightness and design make it an easily manipulated weapon, ideal for complex terrain.

The joint acquisition of the Mistral 3 is part of a European strategy aimed at guaranteeing the technological and strategic sovereignty of the Member States. By bringing together the demands of the different participating countries, this project not only strengthens the European cooperationbut also the competitiveness of MBDAa key company in the sector.

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