Spain, Germany, Norway, Poland and Belgium advance HYDEF European hypersonic defence interceptor development

After successfully completing the Preliminary Requirements Review (PRR), Spain, Germany, Norway, Poland and Belgium are moving forward with the development of the future European hypersonic defence interceptor under the HYDEF programme. This technical milestone, achieved on 26 August, brought the feasibility phase and the initial maturity work for critical technologies and designs to a close. It also established the selected concept for a future European capability to intercept hypersonic threats.

European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor and the HYDEF programme

The European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor (EU HYDEF) project is a European collaborative initiative jointly financed by the European Union through the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the five participating states. It aims to develop technologies and solutions for an interceptor able to counter threats expected from 2035 onwards. The European Commission and the countries involved entrusted programme management to the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).

From a conceptual standpoint, HYDEF is intended to develop an endo-atmospheric interceptor capable of operating at different atmospheric layers. The system envisages a configuration designed to deliver high manoeuvrability through a new aerodynamic layout and actuation systems, alongside highly agile guidance concepts and advanced sensors and seekers. The initiative also covers research into the weapon systems and sensors required to establish a future defence capability against high-speed airborne threats.

HYDEF Preliminary Requirements Review defines the selected concept

The latest PRR was the final major technical milestone of the programme’s first stage. During this phase, the selected concept was established, incorporating its technical solutions, development plans, physical and functional concepts, and associated functional architecture. The review also verified that interoperability requirements had been addressed by applying recognised international standards, including the relevant STANAG standards, while providing lifecycle cost information for the chosen solution.

A further outcome was the maturing of the technologies regarded as critical for the interceptor’s Block 0 configuration. According to the review findings, every one of these technologies reached at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3. Their feasibility was demonstrated through simulations, analysis, functional testing and other validation methods, while the programme’s technology plan identified the principal technical risks and the activities required to progress towards physical elements at TRL 6.

EATMI II will follow HYDEF’s first phase

HYDEF’s first stage will formally end with the project’s closing meeting, scheduled for 22 October 2026 in Madrid. The meeting will assess the results achieved and set out the programme’s next steps, before it continues into its second stage, known as EATMI II. With an estimated total budget of €110 million and a maximum European Union contribution of €100 million, HYDEF seeks to establish the technological foundations for a future European hypersonic defence capability while also helping to strengthen the continent’s strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty.