Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Europe advances on the joint acquisition of Mistral 3

Defence

Europe advances on the joint acquisition of Mistral 3

France, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia and Hungary signed a framework cooperation arrangement yesterday for the joint acquisition of the Mistral 3 ground-based air defence system.

Image courtesy MBDA / credit DGA

Managed by the DGA with MBDA support, the arrangement gives partner nations access to an improved acquisition process that meets armed forces’ requirements. Following in the steps of the first five countries, several other states have also indicated their strong interest in this cooperation.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, declared: “This cooperation is a major step forward in strengthening the defence capabilities of the European Union and its member states, contributing to collective security and sovereignty.

"This agreement will drive efficiencies and enhance the resilience of the European defence industrial base.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Mistral 3, which is currently in service with the French Army and many other users, is an air defence missile that has an infrared imaging seeker and advanced image processing capabilities.

With an over 96% success rate and the best reliability of all current ground-launched short-range air defence systems, it has the ability to engage targets with low thermal signatures, such as drones, turbojet-powered missiles and fast attack craft from long distances.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

17 June 2026

BAE Systems has received a contract award valued at $535 million to produce additional M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzers and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers for the US Army.

QinetiQ joins UK Quantum Growth Alliance

Defence

QinetiQ joins UK Quantum Growth Alliance

17 June 2026

QinetiQ has been invited to join the UK Quantum Growth Alliance, a new government–industry partnership bringing together senior representatives from leading British companies to accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies across the UK.

IDV showcases latest UGV innovations at Eurosatory 2026

Defence Events

IDV showcases latest UGV innovations at Eurosatory 2026

17 June 2026

At Eurosatory 2026 in Paris this week, IDV has been showcasing its latest innovations in uncrewed ground vehicle platforms, alongside a simulation of uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) integration into battlefield command and control centres.

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

Aerospace Defence

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

17 June 2026

Wall Colmonoy Ltd has officially launched a £2.5 million Vacuum Precision Investment Casting (VPIC) facility in South Wales, contributing to the advancement of the UK’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capability.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems invests in European start-ups

Defence

BAE Systems invests in European start-ups

17 June 2026

The UK’s largest defence company, BAE Systems, will be committing €50 million to venture capital (VC) funds focused on backing European defence-tech start-ups.

Marshall Aerospace wins RAF BBMF Dakota support contract

Aerospace Defence Events

Marshall Aerospace wins RAF BBMF Dakota support contract

17 June 2026

Marshall Aerospace has won a multiyear engineering contract for ZA947, the Douglas C-47 Dakota Mk III training and display aircraft owned by the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner