MUTANT XL unites MBDA’s missile technologies with Delair’s drone innovations, creating a highly maneuverable, man-in-the-loop precision strike system tailored for today’s complex battlefield missions.
The collaboration marks a significant step toward the next wave of loitering munitions. By fusing missile-grade performance with drone-like flexibility, MBDA and Delair have crafted a weapon that enables controlled, accurate strikes across varied scenarios.
The system’s man-in-the-loop design ensures operators maintain full authority from takeoff to terminal engagement. According to MBDA, MUTANT XL draws from combat-proven AKERON missile technology, giving it strong anti-tank and anti-structure capabilities in challenging environments.
Delair enhances the platform with expertise from its defense-focused UAVs and commercial drones, improving maneuverability and operational versatility. The companies describe MUTANT XL as a scalable solution for the French military, capable of adapting to multiple mission profiles.
Its development falls under France’s Larinae program—an initiative aimed at advancing unmanned combat systems and modernizing ground-based strike capabilities. The program targets remotely piloted munitions capable of engaging armored threats at distances of up to 50 kilometers, while also supporting national innovation in drone swarms, precision weapons, and long-range strike technology.
The system was first showcased publicly at the 2025 Defense Innovation Forum in Paris.
