MBDA and Polish defence company PGZ have joined forces to embark on a venture—developing a CAMM-MR medium-range interceptor missile.
This agreement was formalised at the MSPO 2023 exhibition in Kielce, heralding a new era in European defence collaboration.
Currently in the design phase, the CAMM-MR missile aims to fulfil the requirements of advanced ground and naval air defence systems, particularly in the medium-range category. This move is part of a broader initiative driven by the UK and Polish governments, who have decided to advance the development of a future common missile based on the highly regarded common anti-air modular Missile (CAMM) family.
This initiative is a key component of the UK-Poland 2030 strategic partnership, underlining the importance of robust air defence capabilities in today’s security landscape.
The concept for the CAMM-MR missile emerged under a contract from the Polish Ministry of National Defence, intending to enhance the integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) capabilities of the MIECZNIK and PILICA+/NAREW/WISLA programmes. This new missile is poised to complement the existing CAMM and CAMM-ER variants, fortifying Europe’s ability to defend against air threats effectively.
MBDA Inc., the US-based subsidiary of the European missile manufacturer, was awarded a CAMM missiles contract for Saudi Arabian Multi-Mission Surface Combatants ships.
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, “This joint working on a new missile is a historic step for our companies and for the development of European solutions for the Defense of Europe.
MBDA was created to champion the cross-border development of missile systems in Europe, and so we’re very proud to be working in concert with PGZ and Poland on this exciting new project.”
According to GlobalData’s “The Global Missiles & Missile Defense Systems Market 2023-2033” report, MBDA Holdings SAS is anticipated to account for the highest revenue of $55.3bn over 2023–33 in the European missile and missile defence market.
Sebastian Chwałek, President of the management board of PGZ SA, shared his perspective, saying, “This particular LOI is intended to pave the road map of future activities that both PGZ and MBDA should undertake to engage in design, development, and production of CAMM-MR.
We also call this initiative the Future Common Missile to convey our aspiration that it will serve both the Polish and British Armed Forces as common munition with dual sources of production. This is a new chapter for PGZ, and we are very motivated to engage, especially in design and development, with assets that we have at hand or being implemented right now, e.g., HWIL Laboratory, as a solid and strategic partner of MBDA.”
Poland’s involvement in the CAMM family’s future development follows the successful UK-Italian cooperation that yielded the CAMM-ER variant. MBDA and PGZ collaborate to enhance Poland’s missile capabilities across various programmes.
PGZ and MBDA UK agreed in May 2022 to cooperate in the tank destroyer segment. The agreement allows for the design and production of this class of vehicles with the use of MBDA UK Brimstone anti-tank guided missiles.
This partnership involves transferring knowledge and technology from MBDA to Poland’s defence industry, bolstering its military capabilities, stimulating its economy, and creating high-skilled job opportunities. It also signifies a step forward in pursuing robust air and missile defence capabilities, highlighting the strength of European defence industry partnerships.
