Poland develops low-cost interceptor missile to counter mass drone and missile attacks
European missile manufacturer MBDA and Polish research institute WITU have announced cooperation on the development of the Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) — a supersonic interceptor designed to engage large numbers of kamikaze drones, reconnaissance UAVs, helicopters and cruise missiles, according to MBDA.
What is known about the CMI
The CMI is positioned as a low-cost solution that can be produced in large quantities to counter mass attacks involving one-way drones, reconnaissance UAVs, helicopters and cruise missiles. According to the developers, the project is intended to narrow the cost gap between drones and interceptor missiles.
The missile is supersonic and can engage targets at ranges and altitudes of more than 6 km, using technologies already tested by MBDA and WITU. The project was first unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026.
Testing and further plans
In September 2026, WITU and MBDA jointly completed a series of field tests at a test range in Poland, where they evaluated the performance of the missile’s seeker against a range of typical targets, including various types of drones.
The successful completion of the tests allows the partners to move to the next stage — integrating the seeker into a prototype missile developed by WITU. The companies are already working toward initial launch tests in 2027.
Memorandum and cooperation
The partnership is based on a broader memorandum of understanding between WITU and MBDA, signed at the MSPO 2026 defense exhibition. It provides for cooperation in missile research with the support of the British and Polish governments as part of defense cooperation established under the Northolt Treaty.
The partners say their goal is to create a fully Polish sovereign solution for Poland, as well as a timely and affordable European capability for allied armed forces.
Chris Allam, UK Managing Director of MBDA, said the cooperation demonstrates the company’s commitment to Poland and complements its support for the country’s layered air defense system amid increased deliveries under the PILICA+ program and unprecedented technology transfer as part of NAREW.
WITU Director Colonel Paweł Sweklej added that the cooperation makes it possible to combine a fully Polish missile design with an advanced seeker. He said that, alongside the HYDIS project, the institute is building close ties with MBDA in developing key European missile capabilities.
The agreement on the CMI was signed during the MSPO 2026 exhibition in Kielce — the same event where Ukraine’s Coral air defense missile was unveiled for the first time on a launcher mounted on a Tatra truck chassis.
The announcement of cooperation between MBDA and WITU also coincided with an intensification of talks regarding Poland’s air defense capabilities. Following the 36th Ramstein meeting, Poland announced a new €50 million aid package for Ukraine, part of which will be allocated to air defense equipment.
Earlier, Poland also said it intended to join the production of missiles for Patriot systems in cooperation with the US and Ukraine.
