MBDA is building “missile hubs” in Schrobenhausen, Germany, to boost the production of its guided missiles for the German Army and NATO allies.
The hubs will be used to produce, maintain, repair, and modernize weapons systems and guided missiles.
The initiative comprises thousands of square meters of space and production lines, including large bunkers and storage capacities, with work set to be completed by 2028.
“MBDA is actively shaping this turning point. We are aware of our responsibility and are making our industrial contribution to increasing ammunition stockpiles and ‘war readinness,’” said Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Germany.
A groundbreaking ceremony to initiate the construction took place with the presence of several high-level officials, including Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder.
Gottschild highlighted that “the close partnership between politics, the Bundeswehr and MBDA Germany” is now more necessary than ever.
Brimstone Guided Missiles
In July, Berlin approved a budget plan to acquire 3,266 MBDA Brimstone missiles to enhance the capabilities of its Eurofighter aircraft.
The first phase of the acquisition includes a tranche of 378 missiles, purchased for €376 million ($402 million).
Brimstone missiles are designed to strike a variety of targets, including main battle tanks, buildings, fast-moving vehicles, and maritime vessels.
It allows for high operational flexibility across multiple domains and can be deployed with Typhoons, drones, and helicopters, as well as land and maritime platforms.
Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles
Earlier this year, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency awarded a $5.6-billion contract to COMLOG, a joint venture between MBDA Germany and RTX, to procure 1,000 Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile (GEM-T) interceptors.
The deal supports the European Sky Shield Initiative, which seeks to strengthen air defense capabilities across 10 European NATO members through the coordinated acquisition of missiles and other systems.
The GEM-T is designed to target high-speed tactical ballistic and cruise missiles.
It features a low-noise oscillator that allows tracking and targeting small airborne threats and cruise missiles, even in cluttered environments.