OCCAR Hosts Second HYDIS User Requirements Workshop in Paris

In the heart of Paris, a significant gathering took place under the auspices of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement), as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the HYDIS (European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System) contributing nations and consortium representatives convened for the second User Requirements Workshop. This event was pivotal in advancing the discussions on the operational scenarios that the future European Hypersonic Missile Interceptor might encounter during its deployment.

This workshop, the second in a series of four dedicated technical meetings, aimed to achieve a major milestone for the HYDIS programme: the "Solution Space Review" (SSR). These meetings are critical for aligning national perspectives on key evaluation criteria, which will guide the selection of the most promising interception concept developed during the HYDIS Concept Phase.

The HYDIS programme, launched under the TWISTER (Timely Warning and Interception with Space-based Theatre Surveillance) PESCO initiative, represents an unprecedented collaborative effort. The programme is supported by 19 partners and more than 30 subcontractors from 14 European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, which collectively contribute around EUR 60 million. The EU Defence Fund (EDF) further supports the initiative with an additional EUR 80 million in co-financing.

The recent workshop focused on enhancing cooperation between industry and participating nations to refine the enabling capabilities of the interception architecture. This includes advanced space-based early warning and tracking capabilities, ground sensors, platform integration, and considerations of sustainability and affordability. Such cooperation is crucial for developing a robust and effective defence system against hypersonic threats.

During the 3-year Concept Phase, the HYDIS programme aims to achieve three primary objectives: 

1. Selecting the most suitable counter-hypersonic interceptor concept, potentially with various variants, along with the associated weapon systems architecture.

2. Maturing the necessary technologies for implementing the chosen counter-hypersonic concept in subsequent assessment and development phases.

3. Establishing an industrial network to develop future counter-hypersonic missile systems.

The HYDIS programme is not only a technological venture but also a strategic one. It enhances European resilience and technological sovereignty in missile defence, fostering greater cooperation and interoperability between EU countries and the defence industry. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving field of hypersonic threats, ensuring that Europe remains secure and well-prepared for future challenges.

The second HYDIS User Requirements Workshop in Paris marked another step forward in this ambitious programme, reinforcing the commitment of European nations to work together in developing cutting-edge defence solutions. As the programme progresses, the insights and agreements reached in these workshops will be instrumental in shaping the future of European hypersonic missile defence.