The European missile manufacturer MBDA has announced a change at the top. Jean-Brice Dumont will become the new chief executive officer of the group on November 1, 2026, replacing Eric Béranger, who has led the company since 2019.
The transition process will begin in October to ensure a smooth handover. Dumont brings over 14 years of experience in the aerospace and defence industry, having served on various executive committees of Airbus. For the past five years, he has headed the Military Aircraft and Air Forces Systems division at Airbus Defence and Space.
„I am honoured to join MBDA at a time when the group is at the centre of the defence of Europe and its allies,” Dumont said. „We face unprecedented challenges, and I am confident that together, thanks to unique know-how and skills, we will succeed in this journey.”
End of a transformative era
Eric Béranger is ending a seven-year tenure described by MBDA as transformative, achieving unprecedented growth and industrial expansion. „I would like to thank all MBDA teams for their extraordinary commitment. When I joined the company in 2019, none of us could have imagined what we would face. We took on every challenge, and MBDA is now more important than ever,” Béranger stated.
Under Béranger’s leadership, the group secured major contracts and strengthened its position as a key player in European defence. The company is owned by three aerospace giants: Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%), and Leonardo (25%).
Growing ties with Poland
MBDA has been deepening its collaboration with Poland. At the end of March, an agreement was signed in Zielonka to build a Service and Production Centre for CAMM-ER missiles, as well as a production hall for components of an air and missile defence system. This investment marks a significant step in Poland’s efforts to modernise its military capabilities and integrate with European defence supply chains.
The new CEO will inherit a company that is central to European security, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine and increasing defence spending across NATO allies. Dumont’s background at Airbus, particularly in military aviation, is seen as a strategic asset for the group’s future growth.
Challenges ahead
Dumont’s appointment comes at a critical moment. European nations are accelerating their defence procurement, and MBDA is competing with global rivals in the missile market. The group must also navigate complex export controls and production ramp-ups to meet soaring demand. Analysts expect Dumont to continue the expansion strategy while focusing on innovation and industrial efficiency.
The transition is set to be completed by the end of October, with Dumont officially taking the helm on November 1, 2026. The industry will be watching closely to see how the new leader steers one of Europe’s most important defence companies through a period of geopolitical turmoil and technological change.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. Flying Camera / Shutterstock
