MBDA Start-up NEODE Systems Gets First Contract

NEODE Systems, the MBDA start-up dedicated to the development of advanced digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), has received its first contract from France’s Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) on behalf of the French Army.

Less than 18 months after the creation of the MBDA subsidiary, this first contract aims to demonstrate the increased beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) capability of the Akeron MP missile when fired using Ground Warden MBDA’s AI powered decision-making aid. A demonstration due to take place before the end of the year will test Ground Warden through a sequence of firings. This testing will ultimately contribute to the acquisition of a license, providing a solution to meet the French Army’s need to be agile in the face of new battlefield threats.

CEO of MBDA, Eric Béranger said, “NEODE Systems is new proof of MBDA’s agility and our ability to innovate, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence dedicated to optimizing our products. I have full confidence in NEODE Systems to provide the French Army, and all our customers, with the technology they need to deal with new threats on the ground, quickly and efficiently.”

CEO of NEODE Systems, Laurent Duport added, “This first contract demonstrates the relevance of NEODE Systems’ innovative model, which combines agile, short-cycle development involving the end customer at each stage, and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence. NEODE Systems offers the armed forces an unprecedented responsiveness in the defence sector and therefore supports the transformation of the entire ecosystem.”

Launched by MBDA in January 2024, NEODE Systems is developing disruptive technologies to increase the capabilities of MBDA’s weapon systems. Thanks to an innovative development model, the solutions from NEODE Systems allow a rapid transition from concept to product. This new model allows MBDA to adapt to new needs from armed forces and therefore respond to new threats observed on the battlefield, maintaining a decisive operational advantage. NEODE Systems also has a commercial model based on the sale of software licenses, to facilitate the integration of improvements to weapons systems deployed in the field.