Affordable, autonomous close‑in defense for the saturation era.
MAIRA is a modular, AI‑enabled kinetic interception concept using saboted flechettes to defeat low‑cost aerial threats within seconds — preserving maneuver, restoring cost parity, and enabling broad allied participation through industrial accessibility.
Purpose & Doctrinal Effect
MAIRA supports NATO’s principle of maneuver warfare and protects operational tempo by shielding rotations, logistics nodes, and maneuver units from persistent, low‑cost aerial harassment. The system acts as a consumable shield that complements high‑end interceptors.
- Preserve maneuver — immediate local protection, fewer forced halts.
- Maintain tempo — engage cheap threats without rationing premium interceptors.
- Single‑operator nodes — one trained operator can maintain, reload, and operate a node.
Economic Logic & Industrial Resilience
- Cost parity — non‑explosive flechette ammo aims at sub‑missile per‑shot cost.
- Accessible materials — steel/tungsten & standard processes.
- Civil–industrial conversion — civilian workshops can pivot to parts & ammo production in contingency.
Executive Summary (Public)
This is the public‑facing, unclassified summary. Detailed schedules, TRLs and validation plans are available to vetted reviewers on request.
Strategic Overview
The security environment is defined by low‑cost, high‑volume aerial threats using saturation tactics. MAIRA provides an affordable, autonomous close‑in defense layer that complements missile systems and preserves operational tempo.
Concept Overview
MAIRA combines sensor fusion, AI fire control, and a compact kinetic module deploying saboted flechette projectiles. Nodes are modular, networkable, and designed for single‑operator use with low logistics burden.
Concept Overview
MAIRA combines sensor fusion, AI fire control, and a compact kinetic module deploying saboted flechette projectiles. Nodes are modular, networkable, and designed for single‑operator use with low logistics burden.
Alliance Integration & Industrial Resilience
MAIRA’s simplicity enables rapid conversion of civilian industry to defense production in times of need, broadening participation and strengthening supply resilience across allies.
Development Approach (public)
Phased development focused on integration and projectile qualification via simulation, subsystem validation, and controlled prototype testing. Full technical details available under confidentiality.
Modular & Networkable
Standalone or distributed arrays with cooperative coverage and open sensor interfaces (radar/IR/EO).
Saboted Flechette Kinetics
Non‑explosive, manufacturable ammunition derived from a Steyr ACR‑style reference family.
Single‑Operator Workflow
Maintain, reload, and operate a node with one trained operator; low training & crew burden.
Compliance & Safety
- Export control & interoperability alignment (NATO/EU).
- Human‑supervised autonomy; transparent decision logging.
- Document hygiene and controlled distribution.