On 19 June 2024 France, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia and Hungary signed a framework co-operation arrangement for the joint acquisition of Mistral 3 ground-based air defence missiles, the missile’s manufacturer, MBDA, announced the same day.
Managed by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) with MBDA support, the arrangement gives partner nations access to an improved acquisition process that meets their armed forces’ requirements. Following in the steps of the first five countries, several other states have also indicated their strong interest in joining the arrangement, according to MBDA.
“This co-operation is a major step forward in strengthening the defence capabilities of the European Union and its member states, contributing to collective security and sovereignty,” MBDA CEO Eric Béranger was quoted as saying in a company press release. “This agreement will drive efficiencies and enhance the resilience of the European defence industrial base.”
The 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 [air]craft from long distances,” MBDA stated.
