Spanish Navy SIMBAD RC Missile: The Spanish Navy is set to receive three SIMBAD RC naval air-defence systems from MBDA under a new framework agreement signed on September 8, 2026. The deal will give the Navy a short-range defence capability that it currently doesn’t have. The systems will be fitted on ships that are already in active service. The move is part of a wider plan by Spain’s Ministry of Defence and Navy to improve protection against missiles and other aerial threats.
SIMBAD RC is a remotely controlled ship defence system. It uses the MISTRAL 3 missile and is made to protect warships from threats that come through the air. MBDA says it can work as a ship’s main short-range air-defence system or as another defence layer along with bigger systems already fitted on the vessel.
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What can SIMBAD RC protect ships from?
The system is mainly designed for threats that can reach a ship at short range. These include anti-ship missiles, sea-skimming missiles, aircraft and drones. MBDA also says the MISTRAL family has been developed for use against newer threats such as small drones and fast surface targets.
SIMBAD RC can be run by one operator from inside the ship. This means the person controlling the launcher doesn’t have to remain exposed close to the weapon. MBDA says the system can operate 24/7 and in difficult weather conditions. Its small size also makes it suitable for different types of naval vessels.
The system normally uses lightweight remotely controlled launchers carrying two MISTRAL missiles. MBDA says the launcher can be linked with a ship’s radar or electro-optical sensors. The company has also stated that the system can prepare a missile for firing in less than five seconds.
A Major Milestone
The Spanish order is also important for MBDA because it’s the company’s first direct agreement with the Spanish Navy. MBDA said the deal will increase its presence in Spain and support longer-term cooperation with the country’s defence industry.
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Eric Béranger the CEO of MBDA, said “This first direct agreement with the Spanish Navy is a historic milestone for MBDA. It demonstrates our growing footprint and long-term commitment to Spain.”
He added “By delivering critical defense capabilities, we are enhancing fleet security and building a strategic partnership based on innovation and cooperation with the Spanish defense industry.”
