Five European defense companies have agreed to jointly develop a sovereign exo‑atmospheric interceptor – a system they say is designed to destroy medium‑range and intermediate‑range ballistic missiles while they are still in space.
Airbus, Destinus, MBDA Deutschland, Safran, and Thales signed a letter of intent in Paris, France on Tuesday to establish the consortium called Bliksem EXO.
The system is intended to destroy incoming missiles by striking them directly, without using an explosive warhead, according to a joint statement from the companies.
The project would form the upper layer of a European missile shield, and is meant to complement existing and planned European systems that counter missiles at lower altitudes.
The program will use lessons from Ukraine's operational experience against heavy air and missile attacks in its conflict with Russia, according to the statement.
