In a strategic move designed to consolidate the group’s leadership position, multinational manufacturer MBDA has announced the appointment of a new CEO from the ranks of Airbus. The transition marks the end of a tenure defined by unprecedented industrial expansion and the beginning of a new phase of technological transformation.
MBDA, the central pillar of missile systems in Europe, is undergoing a major reorganization of its executive leadership. After seven years of guiding the company through global geopolitical turbulence, Éric Béranger is preparing to hand over the reins to Jean-Brice Dumont, the current head of military air systems at Airbus Defense and Space. This change will take effect on November 1st, with Dumont tasked with maintaining the group’s accelerated growth momentum.
A legacy defined by production records and financial milestones
Béranger’s tenure will be remembered in the company’s history as a period of massive industrial mobilization. Under his leadership, missile production doubled between 2023 and 2025, with an additional 40% increase planned for the current year alone. The financial results reflect this meteoric rise: last year, MBDA reported revenues of €5.8 billion and a record intake of new orders totaling €13.2 billion.
This success was largely due to the ability to secure strategically important contracts. These include the supply of Meteor air-to-air missiles for the German Armed Forces and a landmark agreement with France for the development of the DELUGE system, a next-generation sovereign technology designed to saturate enemy air defenses.
Beyond European borders: Innovation and support in theaters of operation
MBDA’s strategic vision has also extended beyond the European Union. In June, the company signed a co-development agreement with partners in the UAE for the mass production of a new loitering munition with a revolutionary design. This portfolio diversification highlights the group’s ambition to dominate emerging segments of military technology.
Simultaneously, the company has taken an active role in supporting Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022. MBDA has accelerated deliveries of long-range cruise missiles and precision air-to-ground systems, becoming a vital supplier for Kyiv’s defensive capabilities. The incoming CEO, Jean-Brice Dumont, will thus take over an organization at its peak, with the responsibility of navigating an increasingly complex and demanding security environment.
