MBDA, Europe’s missile leader, ramps up production by 33%.

MBDA, Europe’s leading missile manufacturer, has seen a significant increase in production and deliveries by 33% in 2024 due to heightened demand for air defense and battlefield munitions. This surge in demand is driven by European nations’ efforts to bolster their air defenses and support Ukraine against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion in 2022.

The demand for MBDA’s products has been further intensified by geopolitical uncertainties, including concerns about U.S. reliability as a weapons supplier and Trump’s foreign policy actions toward NATO and potential territorial annexations.

Éric Béranger, the CEO of MBDA, highlighted the historical significance of this moment for Europe, emphasizing that the continent has the technological and intellectual capacity to assert itself in global defense. He pointed out that MBDA produces a wide array of complex weapons, making it one of the few companies outside the U.S. capable of such extensive capabilities. The company’s strategic importance has grown, especially as it navigates through the complexities of European defense autonomy amidst global tensions.

The operational and financial success of MBDA was evident in the company’s record order intake of €13.8 billion in 2024, a significant leap from €9.9 billion in the previous year, and a sharp increase from the pre-war figures. Sales also saw an uptick, reaching €4.9 billion. The order backlog at the end of the year was an unprecedented €37 billion, showcasing a strong demand and trust in MBDA’s products, many of which have proven effective in combat scenarios, including in Ukraine and the Red Sea.

To meet the escalating demand, MBDA plans a substantial investment of €2.4 billion through 2029 to enhance production capacities and is aiming to increase its workforce significantly. The company is also adapting its production processes to be more agile and is exploring mass production possibilities in collaboration with other industries. Meanwhile, MBDA is investing in future technologies, including laser weapons, and is developing successors to its current missile lines, ensuring it remains at the forefront of missile technology and ready for the evolving warfare landscape.