MBDA Invests in Developer of Innovative Hydra Drone
A UK-based startup has received financial backing from one of Europe’s most prominent defense firms, MBDA.
The investment ensures the continued development of Hybrid Drones’ signature Hydra 400 heavy lift drone, which was unveiled by the British Army in 2023.
The Hydra 400 can carry an array of payloads, including casualty evacuation pods, cargo, or weapon systems.
Having MBDA as one of the firm’s shareholders will help the platform’s weapons portfolio to grow significantly.
“While our original collaboration with MBDA was a great validation of our agile and innovative technological approach, this further investment in our business means more than just financial backing,” Hybrid Drones CEO Stephen Prior said.
“It allows us to meaningfully contribute to national defence capabilities while keeping our high-skilled workforce local.”
Hydra 400
The drone concept was introduced in 2023 as a platform capable of firing three Brimstone air-to-ground missiles weighing 50 kilograms (110 pounds) each.
Powered by a hybrid of electric rotors and single spool jet turbines, the Hydra 400 can carry a payload of 400 kilograms (882 pounds).
In addition, the drone’s compact size allows transportation on a flatbed truck and assembling for flight within six minutes.
“Innovation and delivering sovereign capabilities are part of the DNA of MBDA. Having worked in partnership with Hybrid Drones Ltd, our investment is a natural next step in our continued collaboration,” director of UK Sales and Business Development at MBDA, Suzanne Jude, added.
“By supporting agile, pioneering SMEs (small and medium enterprises) such as Hybrid Drones, we’re not just investing in a product, but in the future of defence ecosystems, strengthening competitive advantage in an increasingly complex global defence landscape.”
