Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System (HYDIS) contributing Nations and HYDIS consortium representatives met in Paris for the 2nd User Requirements Workshop to continue discussing the operational scenarios that the future European Hypersonic Missile Interceptor might face during its operational deployment. The meeting provided another important opportunity to discuss and align national views on the key evaluation criteria which will determine the selection of the most promising interception concept developed by industry during the HYDIS Concept Phase.
This workshop was the second of a total of four dedicated technical meetings that will contribute to achieving the first milestone of the HYDIS programme: “Solution Space Review” (SSR). Close cooperation between Industry and Nations will now more precisely focus on enabling capabilities of the interception architectural solution. This includes space-based early warning and tracking capabilities, ground sensors, platform integration, and other aspects such as sustainability and affordability.
“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. 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).
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, by achieving three main objectives: a) to select the most suitable counter-hypersonic concept of interceptor (with potential variants) along with the associated weapon systems architecture; b) to mature the technologies necessary for implementing the selected counter-hypersonic concept in the next assessment and development programme phases; c) to establish the industrial network to develop the future counter-hypersonic missile systems.
