Madrid, 29-30 November 2023, the Hypersonic Defence Programme (HYDEF) Kick-off Meeting (KoM) and Core Stakeholders Workshop (CSW) hosted by SMS - SISTEMAS DE MISILES DE ESPAÑA, SL, took place in the premises of the “Escuela Politécnica Superior del Ejército - ESPOL”. The two-day meetings have seen the participation of the representatives from the HYDEF Participating States Belgium, Germany, Norway, Poland and Spain and of 14 industrial partners from seven Nations (Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Norway, Poland and Sweden).
The KoM marked the beginning of an ambitious Programme that aims at the investigation and concept definition for a European interceptor of hypersonic missiles encompassing new technologies such as new aerodynamic and actuator systems, highly agile guidance concepts and sensor systems able to operate in different flight levels. OCCAR-EA has been entrusted to manage the Programme and contract industry to realise the objectives of both the Programme Participating States and the European Commission, fostering cooperation while preparing the delivery of future capabilities.
The CSW focused in interactive sessions to foster communication and understanding of the Participating States requirements to develop an interceptor as part of an Integrated Air and Missile Defence system architecture. The workshop set the ground for institutional-industrial collaboration in achieving the Programme's ambitious goals.
The KoM and the CSW concluded with a unified commitment to success and a shared vision.
“The European
Hypersonic Defence Interceptor” (EU HYDEF) is a project co-funded by the
European Union, under the European Defence Fund, and co-funded by five
Participating States (PSs) which are Belgium, Germany, Norway, Poland and
Spain. OCCAR has been entrusted by the European Commission (EC) for the
indirect management of the action by the signature of a Contribution Agreement.
OCCAR, as Contracting Authority, has concluded a contract with the HYDEF
consortium to implement the project, on behalf of EU and the Member States.