Germany to Spend $565M for Drone Defence Missiles
The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved approximately €490 million (USD 565) in its meeting on November 5 for the development and procurement of DefendAir anti-drone missiles from MBDA Germany, as confirmed to hartpunkt by well-informed sources.
The Defence Committee had already approved the corresponding €25 million proposals earlier this morning. This allows the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) to now conclude a contract with MBDA Germany.
Reportedly, slightly more than two-thirds of the sum is earmarked for the development and qualification of the anti-drone missiles, formerly known as Small Anti-Drone Missiles (SADM), which MBDA Germany now markets under the name DefendAir. The remaining amount is intended for the purchase of production missiles. In addition to the missiles themselves and the associated production line, corresponding launch containers are also to be developed and qualified. Series production is reportedly scheduled to begin in 2029, with delivery to the Bundeswehr possible from 2030 onwards.
The German Armed Forces selected the DefendAir anti-drone missiles a few months ago as secondary armament for the Skyranger 30 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, as reported by hartpunkt. However, as well-informed sources explained to hartpunkt, the integration of the missiles onto the Skyranger is not part of the €25 million proposal just approved. This work package is reportedly already included in the Skyranger's development and procurement contract.
The plans call for each Skyranger to be equipped with at least nine, and possibly even twelve, DefendAir missiles.
MBDA Germany is developing the DefendAir based on the weapon system introduced into the German Armed Forces as the Leichtes Wirkmittel 1800+ (Light Weapon 1800+), which was designed for engaging ground targets and is marketed by the company under the name Enforcer.
Compared to the original Enforcer missile, the DefendAir anti-drone guided missile is intended to have an increased range and be equipped with a special seeker head for engaging aerial targets. The increased range is achieved by means of a booster attached to the missile. The expected range is approximately five kilometers.
Source: hartpunkt (translation by Google)
