MBDA unveiled its new air defence missile, Counter Mass Interceptor, mainly aimed at Class 3 UAVs and other low-altitude targets with more affordability.
MBDA is expanding its C-UAS-focused missile family with the Counter Mass Interceptor displayed on the SL-ASRAAM short-range air defence system based on a Supacat 6x6 light truck at FIA2026. SL-ASRAAM is notable for being tested in Ukraine in its early iteration that featured two erector launchers instead of the current FMP turreted launcher.
Counter Mass Interceptor is only slightly smaller than ASRAAM, with a fin layout suggesting fitness for not only open carriage but also canister use.
The guidance for Counter Mass Interceptor has not been disclosed yet. Still, judging by the goals of affordability and the rather limited air target set compared to ASRAAM using the capable but costly IIR seeker, the possibilities include TV, simpler IR, or even a semi-active laser seeker. The presence of an EO/IR system on SL-ASRAAM supports the possibility of laser guidance, which has become the cheapest method for guided C-UAS munitions when coupled with proximity fuse as shown by the APKWS example. However, Counter Mass Interceptor is more than likely to have a better kinematic performance and range compared to the popular laser-guided rockets for C-UAS use.
Proximity fuse sensors are also visible on the nose sides, important against evading or small targets.
MBDA is known to be developing the DEFENDAIR (SADM) missile for very short-range engagements, adopting a much smaller frame than Counter Mass Interceptor. Thus, it is understood that Counter Mass Interceptor will be a complement or alternative to DEFENDAIR to cover longer ranges with higher speed.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
