Europe’s Hydis project settles on concept for hypersonic interceptor

The Hydis project to develop a European interceptor against hypersonic threats has settled on a concept based on a solid-propellant rocket motor, with the program's steering committee validating the final concept review milestone. The remaining year of the program will focus on advancing critical technologies to at least Technology Readiness Level 3, corresponding to experimental proof of concept. The interceptor will be designed to defeat threats including hypersonic glide vehicles, hypersonic cruise missiles and maneuvering ballistic missiles. Hydis is one of two European projects competing to develop a hypersonic interceptor, with the European Defence Fund planning to allocate €100 million for an endo-atmospheric interceptor, funding only one proposal. The program is managed by OCCAR on behalf of France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. MBDA, Europe's biggest missile maker, is handling the integration, with contributions from Avio, ArianeGroup, Roxel, Lynred, Thales, and GKN Fokker. The EDF has provided €80 million for the three-year Hydis program, with the four partner countries jointly providing around €60 million.