The modern aerial threat environment is defined by increasing complexity and the rapid advancement of hostile systems.

At the recent BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2024 International Conference on Defence and Security held in Nicosia, MBDA showcased its latest innovations in air defence, featuring cutting-edge technologies designed to reinforce a multi-layered and network-centric operational architecture.

During the event, MBDA delivered a comprehensive analysis of the wide range of airborne threats currently confronting modern armed forces — from small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to hypersonic missiles. Contemporary threats are marked by the deployment of advanced electronic countermeasures (ECM), infrared countermeasures (IRCM), and increasingly sophisticated electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.

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According to MBDA representatives, countering these threats demands the adoption of innovative technologies that reduce operational costs, limit manpower requirements, and significantly enhance force readiness.

Air defence must now ensure layered protection, enhanced firepower, operational flexibility, and systemic resilience. MBDA promotes the deployment of interoperable and scalable systems, tailored to a broad spectrum of operational scenarios — ranging from the defence of strategic infrastructure to the forward protection of military formations.

The overarching aim is to establish a comprehensive air defence framework capable of functioning seamlessly during peacetime, crisis, and armed conflict alike.

Modern air defence systems must be characterised by their connectivity, strategic and tactical mobility, adaptability to diverse operational theatres, and seamless integration with other defence assets.

The performance of missile systems, their effectiveness against fast-evolving aerial threats, and their real-time responsiveness are all critical factors in the successful interception of incoming attacks.

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One of the major innovations unveiled was the LICORNE C² Command and Control System, which now forms the backbone of MBDA’s air defence architecture. Significantly, LICORNE has recently been inducted into the arsenal of the Cypriot National Guard.

Thanks to its open architecture, LICORNE allows for the integration of multiple sensors and effectors, providing optimal adaptability to dynamic threat landscapes. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) further enhances situational awareness and threat analysis, shortening response times and boosting operational precision.

Among MBDA’s most advanced systems presented at the conference was SkyWarden — a comprehensive solution designed to counter UAVs, cruise missiles, and even fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

SkyWarden is notable for its operational flexibility, as it can evolve in line with the needs of armed forces and be integrated into existing defence platforms via its open system architecture.

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In addition, MBDA expressed its intention to collaborate with the Cypriot Defence Industry, with a view to integrating locally developed sensors and launchers into its systems — a move that could significantly bolster indigenous capability and industrial participation.

MBDA  underlined the growing urgency for a holistic air defence strategy capable of addressing the full spectrum of modern aerial threats. At the heart of this approach lies the synergy between sensors and effectors, the ongoing development of AI-driven algorithms, and the interoperability of defence systems — all of which are cornerstones of a new era in air defence.

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