Moog and Echodyne partner on integrated weapon systems
Moog and Echodyne have set out to collaborate, bringing Moog’s motion control to Echodyne’s MESA radar. The aim is to improve short-range air defence and counter-drone capabilities.
By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on February 6, 2026.
Moog and Echodyne have entered into an agreement to bring Moog’s weapon system expertise together with Echodyne’s radars, according to a February 5 press release.
“We see incredible opportunity combining Moog’s weapon systems expertise with Echodyne’s advanced radar systems,” said Mike Gruver, Moog Defense Senior Vice President. The agreement covers several areas, including product development, test and experimentation, and technical demonstrations.
The collaboration focuses on expanding capabilities within integrated air and missile defence (IAMD), airfield safety systems, and combat vehicle platforms. The companies intend to produce mission-configurable systems tailored for low-altitude air defence and national security priorities, the press release states.
What are those technologies? Well, the press release was light on details. But Moog does produce the Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP), which is used by the US Army for air defence.
Moog also provides precision motion control, which basically means stabilisers and actuators. These types of components are used to make sure that sensors and weapon systems can be precisely controlled. Echodyne produces small and portable radars that use MESA technology to detect drones at ranges up to 5 km depending on size.
The integration with Moog’s weapon-system architectures is expected to streamline the transition from detection to engagement.
- DSEI UK 2025: Moog presents RIwP variants for British Army – Calibre Defence
- $5 billion contract to Raytheon for Coyote interceptor – Calibre Defence
What is Echodyne’s MESA?
This infographic shows the detection ranges of one of the Echodyne radars assuming a clear line of sight. Credit: Echodyne.
MESA (Metamaterials Electronically Scanned Array): This is Echodyne’s proprietary radar architecture. Unlike traditional AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radars that use complex, expensive phase shifters, MESA uses metamaterials to steer the radar beam electronically. According to Echodyne, this allows for a lower-profile, lower-power, and more cost-effective unit that still provides high-speed scanning and tracking. “Moog recognises the value of our MESA radars’ unique, high-fidelity data for effective counter-drone and low altitude air defence,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne.
Echodyne’s radar systems are currently utilised for high-fidelity data acquisition in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) and short-range air defence. The company is also reported to be working on another counter-drone collaboration with Thales and OpenWorks.
Calibre comment: Why precision matters in C-UAS
Engaging a drone requires a precise fire control solution to be passed from the sensor – Echodyne’s MESA radar in this case – to the weapon. This is because drones are generally a very small target, and one that can be difficult to bring down. They may move erratically, but can also bring deadly payloads with them. This means that intercepting them is critical, and ideally achieved very quickly. So, by working together, Moog and Echodyne should be able to create very precise fire control commands that do reduce the time between detection and interception.
If you would like to read more about the importance of short-range air defence, which is about much more than drones, check this article out: Short range air defence, more critical now than ever.
The lead image is a concept image released by Echodyne. It appears to show a vehicle with a form of air defence system. Credit: Echodyne.
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