Dutch Startup Leads Europe's Anti-Missile Defense Push

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-14

A Dutch defense tech startup is taking the lead on a massive new project to build Europe's first missile defense system that operates above the atmosphere. Here's what that means and why it matters. Destinus, a company based in Katwijk, Netherlands, has been named the prime contractor for Bliksem EXO. That's a multinational effort to create what they call an "exo-atmospheric upper-layer" missile defense program. In simpler terms: a system that can shoot down ballistic missiles while they're still flying through space, before they re-enter the atmosphere. ### The Consortium Behind the Project Destinus isn't doing this alone. They're the only startup among five founding industrial partners. The other big names include: - Airbus Defence and Space - MBDA Deutschland - Safran Electronics & Defense - Thales Together, these companies signed a Letter of Intent to form the Bliksem EXO Consortium. Their goal? Build an interceptor that can handle medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles above Europe. This announcement comes on the heels of Destinus securing $54.5 million (EUR 50 million) in bank financing in late 2025, as reported by EU-Startups.  ### Filling a Critical Gap Mikhail Kokorich, CEO of Destinus, put it plainly: "Europe has strong lower-layer missile defenses, but it still lacks a sovereign European upper layer against medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Bliksem EXO is designed to close that gap through direct hit-to-kill interception above the atmosphere." He added that joint engineering kicks off in August 2026, with plans to test the exo-atmospheric kill vehicle in space by 2027. The agreement was signed in Paris during the inaugural meeting of the anti-ballistic coalition at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten present. ### What Each Partner Brings Under the proposed division of responsibilities, Destinus will oversee overall integration and lead development of the Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV). MBDA Deutschland handles the interceptor booster, launcher, and canister. Safran Electronics & Defense provides the seeker and guidance, navigation, and control technologies. Airbus Defence and Space contributes the command-and-control and battle-management infrastructure (BMC4I). Thales develops the radar and sensor chain, covering everything from early warning and target tracking to fire control. ### How Bliksem EXO Works The system is designed to intercept medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the midcourse phase of their flight, when they're traveling above the atmosphere. Instead of using an explosive warhead, it destroys its target through a direct kinetic hit-to-kill impact. Think of it like a bullet hitting another bullet in space. The companies say it can address threats including Oreshnik-class missiles equipped with separating and maneuvering re-entry vehicles. ### A Complement, Not a Replacement This program positions itself as a complement to Europe's existing lower-layer capabilities, not a replacement. It's designed to be fully interoperable with NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence and supports the European Sky Shield Initiative by filling what the consortium calls Europe's "missing upper layer." Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said: "This system will add a crucial complement to Europe's existing Air and Missile Defence. By contributing our Command-and-Control and Battle Management System, we ensure proven interoperability and scalability with NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence, the ESSI initiative, and other current air/missile defence programs." ### From Startup to System Integrator For Destinus, this appointment marks a huge step up. Founded in 2021 by aerospace entrepreneur Mikhail Kokorich, the company started by developing autonomous aircraft, missile systems, and air defense technologies. Now they're coordinating a complex multinational program involving some of Europe's largest aerospace and defense groups. Destinus operates across several European markets including Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, the UK, and Ukraine, with headquarters in the Netherlands. ### Why This Matters Now Europe faces increasing threats from ballistic missiles, and the current defense architecture has a clear gap at the upper layer. Bliksem EXO aims to close that gap, giving European and allied forces a sovereign capability they currently lack. If successful, it could reshape how the continent approaches missile defense.