New Developments in Loitering Munitions: MBDA’s Harpax Series
At the recent exhibition in La Spezia, the European missile manufacturer MBDA unveiled two innovative loitering munitions: the Harpax Mini and the Harpax Small. Both systems are part of an expanding family of guided munitions that is anticipated to include a larger model in the near future.
Addressing Evolving Military Needs
Cristiano Proietti, sales manager for MBDA Italy’s Land Domain, emphasized the specific needs of the Italian Army: “At this very moment, the Harpax family of loitering munitions is designed to address a need articulated by the Army, which is still in the pre-requirement phase.” Initially, interest in loitering munitions stemmed from the unique requirements of Italian Special Forces, particularly influenced by contemporary warfare scenarios such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This has prompted the Army to articulate a distinct operational requirement for conventional forces, currently undergoing integration at the joint level.
Harpax Mini: Tactical Urban Warfare Solution
During the Seafuture event, MBDA showcased a 1:2 scale model of the Harpax Mini, engineered as a quadcopter optimized for urban operations, particularly in constricted environments. Developed in collaboration with Siralab, an Italian SME specializing in Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAVs, the Harpax Mini is designed to ensure national sovereignty and technological independence.
Specifications
- Weight: Under 2.5 kg
- Dimensions: 860 mm in length and width, 300 mm in height
- Warhead: 500 g high-explosive fragmentation warhead from KNDS Ammo Italy
- Operational Range: 5 km
- Endurance: 20 minutes
- Cruise Speed: Approximately 50 km/h
The Harpax Mini demonstrates exceptional maneuverability, making it effective for neutralizing light military assets—including personnel, machine gun emplacements, and light vehicles—within urban settings. Efforts to minimize acquisition costs have led to the utilization of commercially available optics, while a modular design facilitates in-field component replacement.
Production and Operational Readiness
Proietti noted that collaboration with SMBs is vital for quick response to customer requirements: “This includes fast prototyping and the ability to achieve high-volume production, with an initial target of 200 Harpax Mini units per month.” Given the system’s modular nature, plans are underway to potentially assemble it in operational theaters to enhance logistical efficiency.
In a demonstration exercise held earlier this year in the Italian Alps, the Harpax Mini provided critical situational awareness by integrating into a tactical “bubble.” This allowed for seamless communication between ISR platforms and ground units, facilitating rapid target engagement.
Harpax Small: Versatile Fixed-Wing Platform
The Harpax Small represents a fixed-wing, tube-launched loitering munition activated by a pneumatic launch mechanism. When compact, the system measures 1,000 mm in length with a diameter of 130 mm. Upon launch, it deploys wings that extend its wingspan to 1,000 mm, enhancing its operational capability.
Specifications
- Weight: Less than 8 kg
- Warhead: Approx. 1.5 kg high-explosive fragmentation
- Operational Range: 15 to 20 km
- Endurance: 25 to 40 minutes, depending on payload
- Cruise Speed: Below 200 km/h
The versatility of the Harpax Small extends beyond traditional munitions; its modular front section can accommodate ISTAR sensors or electronic warfare equipment, even allowing for the transportation of small, high-priority supplies.
Modular Design and Collaborative Development
The airframe of the Harpax Small is produced by Sky Eyes Systems, another Italian SME. This strategy aims to prevent potential bottlenecks during mass production by using different suppliers for each munition type.
MBDA France’s development of the Akeron family of loitering munitions has informed the design and software of the Harpax family, ensuring cost-effective and rapid development.
Future Prospects and Exercises
MBDA’s unveiling of the Harpax series at Seafuture 2025 indicates an interest in applying these munitions for naval operations. A subsequent joint exercise with the Italian Army is planned for November 2025, focused on advanced operational conditions, including the use of jamming systems and moving targets, enabling a more realistic assessment of the munitions’ capabilities.
Moreover, the development of a third variant, the Harpax Medium, is underway. This new model aims for an operational range of 80 km, delivering heavier payloads and serving as complementary artillery support. Plans to finalize the design by September 2026 are on track, with a consistent focus on cost control to maintain competitive pricing for all Harpax systems.
This strategic initiative illustrates MBDA’s commitment to advancing loitering munition technology in response to modern combat dynamics, providing forces with enhanced tactical options across various operational landscapes.
