MBDA has announced the completion of the first successful firings of CROSSBOW, a new ground-launched deep-strike capability. The tests took place in December 2025 and February 2026, marking an important step forward in the accelerated development of the system, which moved from the design phase to real demonstrations in just nine months.
The development matters because it shows how the European defense industry is trying to respond more quickly to the current needs of the battlefield. Instead of developing a product over many years, MBDA says it invested in CROSSBOW in advance to present it at a mature stage and ready for potential customers, even before the signing of specific contracts.
CROSSBOW was developed with a modular approach, using military and commercial components already available on the market. According to the company, this strategy makes it possible to accelerate production, reduce complexity and adapt the system according to the requirements of each operator, including changes in range, navigation, survivability, platform integration and strike capability.
The concept of “deep strike” refers to the ability to hit targets at long distances from ground-based launchers. This type of system has gained prominence in recent conflicts because it allows armed forces to expand their reach without relying exclusively on manned aircraft or more expensive and complex platforms.
According to MBDA, CROSSBOW went from the drawing board to live firings in less than a year, using a network of small and medium-sized companies, prime suppliers from the United Kingdom and European partners. The idea is to create a weapon that can be produced at scale as early as 2026, following the pressure for a greater volume of equipment in the defense sector.
What draws attention is the launch from a ground platform, with the missile leaving the vehicle at high speed and forming a trail of fire and smoke in the sky. The scene reinforces the role of military vehicles as mobile bases for long-range systems, bringing the subject closer to the automotive world and tactical mobility.
MBDA also said it intends to increase its production by 40% in 2026 compared with 2025. CROSSBOW now joins the company’s strike portfolio as a solution aimed at balancing capability, lower cost, scalable production and rapid adaptation to modern threats.
MBDA announces successful #CROSSBOW firings, marking a key milestone in ground-launched #DeepStrike 🚀
Conducted in Dec 2025 & Feb 2026, it moved from design to demo in 9 months. Its modular design delivers range, lethality & survivability.
🔗 Read more: https://t.co/TNFvtpCNVR pic.twitter.com/T4GFAQIcfM
— MBDA UK (@MBDA_UK) June 20, 2026
Source and images: MBDA. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
