MBDA and the Spanish Navy have signed a landmark framework agreement for the procurement of three SIMBAD RC2 short-range air defense systems—introducing a dedicated close-in missile capability the service previously lacked.
While official announcements frame the deal as a milestone for MBDA’s footprint in Spain, Naval News has learned exclusive details regarding the initial deployment scheme, follow-on fleet integration plans, and recent design updates to the SIMBAD RC product line.
Exclusive: Initial Vessel Allocations
Sources with knowledge of the matter revealed to Naval News that the three SIMBAD RC2 systems (consisting in a total of four launchers) covered under the initial framework agreement will equip the following Armada vessels:
- A Santa María-class (F80) Frigate: Equipped with a single SIMBAD RC launcher configuration.
- A Santa María-class (F80) Frigate: Equipped with a single SIMBAD RC launcher configuration.
- A High-Value Unit (Juan Carlos I LHD): Equipped with a twin SIMBAD RC launchers configuration.
By outfitting the Juan Carlos I amphibious assault ship—the flagship of the Spanish fleet—alongside two front-line F80 frigates, the Spanish Navy is rapidly patching a critical gap in Point Defense Missile Systems (PDMS) and Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) against asymmetrical threats, anti-ship missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Expanding Fleet-Wide: Navantia Negotiations
The initial contract serves as the opening phase of a broader operational overhaul. Naval News understands that MBDA is now actively negotiating an additional contract directly with Spanish shipbuilder Navantia.
This follow-on agreement aims to integrate SIMBAD RC across the remainder of the Spanish Navy’s surface fleet. Future platforms earmarked for the system include:
- Future Landing Platform Docks (LPD)
- European Patrol Corvette (EPC) vessels
Ultimately, MBDA and Navantia envision a fleet-standardized solution where virtually all major Spanish Navy surface vessels could be fitted with SIMBAD RC launchers firing Mistral 3 missiles. According to our source, this includes the new F-110 frigates. However, the source did not elaborate on whether the system will be integrated into the American Aegis combat system—an integration process that has previously caused friction, such as the cancellation of the CAMM missile contract for Canada’s River-class destroyers (CSC)—or if the SIMBAD RC will operate as a standalone system independent of the combat management system (CMS).
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, highlighted the strategic importance of the relationship:
“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. 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.”
Next-Generation SIMBAD RC Capabilities
The SIMBAD RC is a remotely controlled, lightweight self-defense system firing the fire-and-forget Mistral 3 infrared-homing missile out to ranges exceeding 8 km. Designed for 24/7 all-weather operations, the automated turret features a thermal optical sensor suite and video tracker that can be slaved to the ship’s combat system or operated autonomously via a compact below-decks terminal (SMU-RC) by a single crew member.
Improvement to SIMBAD RC4 design
Meanwhile, Naval News learned that the design of the turret featuring four missile has evolved: At Euronaval 2024, MBDA expanded the SIMBAD RC family to include a 4-round variant (SIMBAD RC4) specifically tailored to counter saturation attacks, fast inshore attack craft (FIACs), and drone swarms.
In 2026, MBDA further improved the design for the SIMBAD RC4. This is a standardized turret design that shares modular commonality between the twin-tube (RC2) and quad-tube (RC4) configurations. The design simplifies shipboard integration and allows navies to easily retrofit or upgrade existing RC2 turrets into high-capacity RC4 mounts as threat environments demand.
There are no known customers of the SIMBAD RC4 yet. The Spanish Navy contract is for the SIMBAD RC2 variant.
Strategic Impact for MBDA and Spain
Negotiations for the inclusion of Mistral missiles on Spanish Navy vessels started nearly a decade ago with the Cartago project. The integration into active naval units marks a significant shift in Spain’s defense posture, ensuring high-value assets and escort vessels possess organic 360-degree close-in weapon protection. For MBDA, securing its first direct contract with the Spanish Navy consolidates its growth strategy in Southwestern Europe while laying the groundwork for deep industrial cooperation with Navantia and local defense suppliers for decades to come.
