FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence
MBDA’s CMI is seen here mounted above the company’s surface-launched ASRAAM on a land vehicle, but the system is platform-agnostic. (Photo: author)
At FIA 2026, MBDA launched its Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) which the company says is a mass-producible, low-cost effector for fire-and-forget engagements at range and altitude.
Luke Webster, MBDA’s air dominance manager, sales and business development, told Shephard that CMI can tackle a broad spectrum of threats, noting that delivery time is 12 to 20 months from order and that the system is lower cost than its competitors, although he would not be drawn on specific figures.
The system is designed to be targeted at low-cost, high-volume Class 1 to 3 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as helicopters and cruise missiles. The CMI is “cost comparative”, providing point defence, critical infrastructure protection and mobile short-range air defence.
It is intended to be platform-agnostic and is likely to be
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