European defence groups unveil plan for homegrown missile shield interceptor

Safran SA

14/07/2026 12:18

    July 14 (Reuters) - European missile makers and defence groups launched a new consortium on Tuesday to develop what they said would be the continent's first sovereign exo-atmospheric interceptor.
Thales TCFP.PA, Airbus AIR.PA, MBDA Deutschland, Safran SAF.PA and aerospace startup Destinus signed a letter of intent in Paris to establish the Bliksem EXO Consortium, aiming to develop an interceptor capable of destroying medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in space during the midcourse phase of flight.
Europe is pushing to plug critical gaps in air and missile defence following Russia's invasion of Ukraine amid growing concerns over ballistic missile threats.

 (Reporting by Maria Rugamer; Editing by Joe Bavier)
 ((maria.rugamer@thomsonreuters.com;))