MBDA and Polish research institute WITU have agreed to collaborate on missile research for the Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) program.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed at the MSPO 2026 defense trade fair in Poland, underpins the cooperation, which aims to deliver a fully Polish missile design and a low-cost, mass-producible capability for European allies to counter drone, helicopter, and cruise missile threats.
Both parties completed a set of field trials this month, where the seeker’s performance was tested against different representative drone target types at a test range in Poland.
Following the test completion, the seeker will be integrated into a prototype missile that WITU designed.
Further development and testing will continue ahead of an initial firing campaign planned for 2027.
“Along with our cooperation on HYDIS, WITU is forming a strong relationship with MBDA to develop and embed Polish technologies into crucial European missile solutions,” said WITU CEO Col. Paweł Sweklej.
Counter Mass Interceptor
The 53-kilogram (117-pound) CMI is a supersonic missile that debuted at the Farnborough International Airshow in July.
According to the company, MBDA UK will handle the program’s initial development, while production could be handled internally or in collaboration with industrial partners.
MBDA in Poland
“This cooperation demonstrates MBDA’s commitment to Poland and expands on our strong support to Poland’s world-leading layered air defense capability as we ramp up delivery of PILICA+ and unprecedented technology transfer on NAREW,” said MBDA UK Managing Director Chris Allam during the MoU signing.
PILICA+ functions as the inner tier of Poland’s integrated layered air defense network, alongside the mid-tier NAREW and upper-tier WISLA systems.
MBDA inaugurated its first industrial facility in Poland earlier this month to provide maintenance, support, and training for the PILICA+ program.
