During the EUROSATORY 2024 Defence and Security exhibition, MBDA presented the Ground Warden Vehicle solution, an innovative system of systems designed to counter modern threats. 

According to MBDA, this solution has emerged to complement the existing Sky Warden solution, which the DEFENCE REDEFiNED team had the privilege to bear witness during the previous edition of EUROSATORY in 2022.

This new technological achievement marks a significant advancement in defence technology, integrating artificial intelligence (A.I) to bolster its effectiveness on neutralizing threats ranging from Unmanned Aerial Systems and incoming threats to moving and stationary targets by integrating a wide array of sensors and effectors. 

Ground Warden Vehicle showcased on a 4×4 SHERPA vehicle equipped with mini-drones and launchers capable of firing AKERON-type missiles, drone-interceptors, loitering munitions as well as a Remote-Controlled Weapon Station. 

Specifically, Ground Warden Vehicle’s operational capability is based on the following systems:

NX-100 drone

MBDA has integrated the miniaturised NX-100 drone, developed by the French company NOVADEM. MBDA along with NOVADEM have collaborated many times in the context of the EDIDP LynkEUs project, which involved the collaboration of the NX-70 drone with the AKERON missiles, a concept that has been demonstrated in Cyprus. 

Also read: MBDA | Successful firings with AKERON MP of the LynkEUs program in Cyprus – VIDEO

With the usage of the drone, situational awareness and target detection are achieved. The target’s data can be shared via encrypted connection to the firing station to perform a BLOS (beyond the line-of-sight) mode of engagement.

With an upgraded range of 20 km and 15 minutes of endurance compared to its successor (NX-70), the NX-100 offers agility in terms of survivability of the force and flexibility in terms of operational capabilities. 

Also read: NX70 | The combat proven drone of the French army in Mali – Presentation at the EUROSATORY 2022 exhibition – Photos

AKERON missiles and other missile systems

MBDA also integrated the AKERON 5th generation tactical missile family on the Ground Warden Vehicle. The AKERON family consists of the AKERON MP and AKERON LP (air-to-ground version launched from a helicopter), which incorporate the latest technologies in terms of high-resolution multi-band imagers, multi-effect warheads (anti-tank, anti-infrastructure, anti-personnel), data links, and multi-mode guidance algorithms based on A.I techniques. 

Integrating infrared and electro-optical sensors, the AKERON missile family allows the user to switch modes during the flight, including:

• Fire and forget
• Human-in-the-loop
• Locking on before launch (LOBL) / Locking on after launch (LOAL) 

In addition to the AKERON LP which was integrated on a land platform for the first time, as you can see on our exclusive video below, the system can integrate other MBDA missile systems as well.  

Also read: MBDA | Introducing the 5th generation AKERON tactical missile family

MUTANT Loitering Munition

On June 30, 2023, MBDA presented its new system based on a “Minimum Viable Product” approach. Called MUTANT and weighing around 10 kg, this loitering munition features deployable wings for compactness, ease of transport and deployment. To date, MBDA, leveraging MUTANT’s ability to strike beyond the line-of-sight (operational range of up to 20 km), complements the AKERON family to maximiaze the system’s anti-tank capability.

HTK Drones

Regarding the self-defence against drones the integration of high-speed drone-interceptors is possible. The Hit to Kill (HTK) drones made by NOVADEM and MBDA are equipped with optical sensors that allow a “lock” on the hostile UAS and neutralization via a hard-kill method taking advantage of the interceptor’s kinetic energy. This system was first unveiled as an option for the SKY WARDEN system.

HORNET Air Guard Remote Weapon Station (RWS)

Another system integrated on the Ground Warden for self-defence is the Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS) Hornet Air Guard, armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun as well as the HELMA-P laser turret developed by CILAS. This option was also part of the turret integration options coming from the SKY WARDEN system.

Also read: Sky Warden | The all-out counter UAS solution and the developments so far

The core of the Ground Warden Vehicle solution is the AI-powered firing control station, located inside the vehicle’s cabin. The system is capable of performing data fusion and coordination of sensors and effectors, ensuring comprehensive data exchange and self-defence capabilities. 

This AI integration is not merely an add-on but is embedded directly into the system, allowing for real-time data processing and decision-making. This is particularly evident in its synergy with the AKERON family of anti-vehicle weapon systems, enhancing the system’s ability to conduct real-time processing between video feeds from offboard sensors and the seeker missile itself. Apart from these, the system can execute data-sharing with a SKY WARDEN platform, as well.

All these provide the operator with critical data, such as probability of kill estimation based on topography, distance, time of flight, and optimal engagement windows against both fixed and moving targets.

Summing up all the above, the Ground Warden Vehicle system is part of a broader network-centric ecosystem of sensors and effectors, combining BLOS capability with advanced C-UAS protection either in a standalone or in multi-layered configuration.

Below you may watch the system’s presentation of Mr. Frederic Michaud, Head of Battlefield Sector – Business Development at MBDA, during the EUROSATORY 2024.