MBDA achieved a major milestone this summer with the validation of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the REMOTE CARRIER COMPACT (RC) demonstrator, approved by France, Germany, and Spain. This success confirms the extensive work carried out by MBDA France and Germany, in collaboration with Spanish partner SATNUS, as part of the NGWS programme.
The REMOTE CARRIER COMPACT represents a new generation of collaborative combat drones: agile, versatile, and cost-effective. Designed to deliver a wide range of military effects (including escort, reconnaissance, and the direct engagement of high-value targets) it will provide a decisive and indispensable contribution to the air combat systems of tomorrow.
To reach this critical stage, teams completed the design of the RC demonstrator, produced several representative mock-ups, and developed a digital twin of the effector. This progress was underpinned by extensive ground testing, including subsystem tests, integration and structural integrity mock-ups, and wind tunnel testing. Additionally, simulation work was used to characterise the RC, validating the digital models and initial algorithms, while demonstrating performance across a variety of scenarios.
Throughout the first half of the year, progress was marked by a series of demonstrations and reviews involving representatives from all three nations. MBDA presented its results at technical meetings in Spain, France, and Germany to gather feedback from customers, including experienced pilots from the French, German, and Spanish air forces.
While the initial framework of the NGWS programme is coming to an end, MBDA remains fully committed to ensuring the operational future of the REMOTE CARRIER COMPACT.
This achievement demonstrates MBDA’s ability to design a dynamic and agile vehicle capable of accompanying and supporting fighters, drones, weaponry, and other manned platforms during the most complex air combat missions. While the PDR paves the way for the design, production, and first flight of the demonstrator in 2029, it above all illustrates MBDA's capacity to lead large-scale projects through international cooperation.