European missile maker MBDA has secured its first export deal for the Sky Warden counter-drone solution with an unnamed Middle Eastern country, marking a milestone for the company’s push into international drone defense markets.
The system combines advanced sensors, AI-driven command and control, and a mix of effectors capable of neutralizing micro to tactical drones up to eight kilometers (4.9 miles) away.
Sky Warden integrates options like the CILAS HELMA-P laser, directional and omni jammers, MBDA HTK interceptors, and Mistral 3 missiles, providing layered protection with a reported success rate above 96 percent.
Its modular design allows flexible deployment, whether mounted on vehicles for mobile operations or dismounted to protect fixed sites.
Lorenzo Mariani of MBDA’s Executive Group Sales and Business Development highlighted the system’s adaptability to evolving threats and its role in enhancing partner sovereignty and security.
“This unique drone-fighting system combines state-of-the-art technology, unprecedented flexibility, and a constantly evolving capability,” he said.
Counter-UAV Procurements in the Middle East
Several Middle Eastern nations have invested heavily in counter-UAV solutions throughout 2025 amid growing drone threats in regional conflicts.
The United Arab Emirates acquired advanced drone interdiction systems from Rheinmetall, including mobile counter-drone platforms integrated with AI targeting and radar detection.
Saudi Arabia deployed an upgraded Patriot-based C-UAS configuration combined with short-range interceptor drones for rapid threat neutralization.
Meanwhile, Qatar finalized contracts with Rafael for the Drone Dome system, designed to protect critical infrastructure with a combination of radar, electro-optical sensors, and jamming capabilities.
