MBDA, Terma teaming puts new life into SPIMM containerised self-protection system

The SPIMM concept, developed by MBDA to provide air defence in a containerised form. (MBDA)

MBDA has rekindled development of its Self-Protection Integrated Mistral 3 Module (SPIMM) containerised self-protection suite, under the umbrella of a cooperation agreement signed with Denmark's Terma in June 2026.

Designed for both shipborne and land-based deployment, SPIMM is designed to address requirements for a rapidly deployable and relocatable ‘plug and play' solution that integrates MBDA's Simbad-RC4 weapon system (mounting four ready-to-fire Mistral 3 missiles on a traversing turret), threat detection sensors, and a dedicated combat management system (CMS) into a containerised package. Housed within an ISO container, and requiring only a power supply to function, the system can be rapidly deployed on vessels without pre-existing combat systems. Also, being containerised, it can be moved between vessels and land-based sites as operational needs change.

The SPIMM concept was originally brought to market by MBDA in early 2019, being marketed as a containerised self-protection system to provide otherwise unarmed ships with a very short-range defence capability in high threat zones. The system integrates a single SIMBAD-RC4 turret, together with surveillance sensors, into a standard 10 ft ISO container. The full system is controlled by two operators located in a shelter inside the module; space is provided for a ready storage locker that can house up to eight additional Mistral 3 missiles.

MBDA and Terma are now seeking to reinvigorate SPIMM and turn the concept into a fully developed product. This reflects customer demand for a simple, rapidly deployable small-footprint self-protection capability able to defend against missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft, and helicopters; and surface threats such as unmanned surface vehicles, fast inshore attack craft, and one way attack boats.