The first of four workshops was held at MBDA FR in Paris, bringing together technical experts from Participating States and Industry. After the Kick-Off meeting on June 14, 2024, the Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System (HYDIS) Programme officially began its full implementation, adhering to its ambitious schedule. This workshop aimed to initiate a fruitful discussion in order to achieve a shared understanding of the operational scenarios for the future interceptor, and to establish and prioritize key evaluation criteria for selecting the most promising missile interception solution.
The workshop effectively met its goals, demonstrating the strong commitment of all contributing Nations and Industry to this EU co-funded programme. The European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System (HYDIS) is a project co-funded by the European Union, under the European Defence Fund, and by four Participating States (PSs) which are France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. OCCAR has been entrusted by the European Commission (EC) for the indirect management of the action by the signature of a Contribution Agreement. OCCAR, as Contracting Authority, has concluded a contract with the HYDIS consortium to implement the programme, on behalf of EU and the Member States.
The HYDIS programme, launched under the auspices of TWISTER (Timely Warning and Interception with Space-based Theatre surveillance) PESCO initiative, is supported by unprecedented collaborative effort between the EU, industry and government, bringing together 19 partners and more than 30 subcontractors from 14 European countries. France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands collectively contribute approximately 60 M€ to the programme, along with the EU Defence Fund (EDF) providing 80 M€ in co-financing. This programme offers a significant benefit, contributing to European resilience and technological sovereignty in the anti-missile domain, while also fostering cooperation and interoperability between EU countries and industry.
Through a 3-year Concept Phase, the HYDIS programme aims to study, mature and select an effective interceptor concept or family of concepts to counter hypersonic threats. The HYDIS Consortium is led by the French company MBDA FR who acts as prime contractor, and integrates the following companies: MBDA IT, MBDA DE, MBDA SP, ROXEL FR, Ariane Group SAS (FR), LYNRED (FR), ONERA (FR), Bayern Chemie (DE), TDW (DE), DLR (DE), OHB System AG (DE), Avio Aero GE Avio S.r.l. (IT), AVIO SpA (IT), C.I.R.A. (IT), Fokker Aerostructures B.V. (NL), Thales Nederland B.V. (NL), TNO (NL), THALES LAS (FR).
