MBDA has introduced its latest system, the CROSSBOW ONE WAY EFFECTOR (OWE) HEAVY, at the DSEI exhibition taking place in London from September 9 to 12.
The CROSSBOW OWE HEAVY is designed as a deep fires capability intended for high-intensity conflicts, including operations in complex electromagnetic environments. According to MBDA, the system combines cost efficiency with the ability to deliver combat mass.
The weapon was developed in cooperation with European small and medium-sized enterprises and larger companies, moving from design to demonstration in seven months. Its modular architecture, based on both military and commercial off-the-shelf subsystems, enables large-scale production, potentially starting in the second quarter of 2026.
The system is vehicle-launched and can carry multi-role kinetic and non-kinetic payloads of up to 300 kilograms. It has a range of more than 800 kilometers and is intended to strike static high-value targets.
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said:
“This project exemplifies the spirit and values of MBDA. It shows that we understand the context of the world today and are adapting, not just to the threat environment, but the procurement environment too. We are demonstrating we are 'Battle Ready' with our confidence in our understanding and anticipation of requirements. Our people are also showing their strengths through this project. Cooperation with partners, agile working with a rapid decision mind-set and a tolerance of risk. We are showing we can be different, in what are now different times.”
The CROSSBOW OWE HEAVY was developed alongside the OWE presented at the Paris Air Show 2025. While both follow a similar design approach, the heavy variant addresses a different threat environment. MBDA notes that the system’s modular design allows for adaptation to domestic supply chains and offers options for incremental development in survivability, range, lethality, navigation, and platform integration.