SHORAD is made
up of High Velocity and Lightweight Multi-role Missile
systems that can intercept air threats including fast jets,
attack helicopters and unmanned air systems in a matter of
seconds.
Thales UK won the initial contract in 2018, helping to
modernise and develop the missile systems as part of the
Future Air Defence Availability Project (F-ADAPT). This
latest announcement confirms a five-year extension to the
contract, sustaining over one hundred jobs at Thales UK’s
Belfast site and within the wider Northern Ireland supply
chain.
Northern Ireland Secretary, said:
Northern Ireland has a proud history as a world leader in
defence engineering and innovation. Today’s announcement
shows again the level of confidence in Northern Ireland
as a great place to do business.
During these uncertain times, I am delighted that the
investment of over £98-million will protect over 100
skilled jobs in Belfast. I would like to congratulate all
those involved who have secured this vital investment.
Defence Minister, said:
This contract ensures the vital air defence capabilities,
capable of dealing with a multitude of threats, are
maintained and readily available to deploy.
The £98.4-million investment is the second major contract
awarded to Northern Ireland’s defence industry in less
than three months highlighting Northern Ireland’s
important contribution to the delivery of our critical
defence capabilities.
Delivering rapid potent attack capability, the SHORAD missile systems can
be fired from three platform variants. These include a
Shoulder-Launch for single fire; a Lightweight Multiple
Launcher capable of firing three missiles via a tripod, and
a Self-Propelled launcher designed to fire up to eight
missiles from a Stormer armoured vehicle.
DE&S
CEO, Sir said:
Our dedicated team at DE&S has
worked closely with industry colleagues to ensure this
crucial air defence capability remains primed and ready
to support the UK Armed Forces until the end of 2026.
Northern Ireland plays an imperative role within UK defence
and its supply chain. This is the second
multi-million-pound defence contract awarded to a Northern
Ireland-based industry this year. In January, Spirit
AeroSystems in Belfast, won a £30 million contract for the
UK’s first uncrewed
fighter aircraftsupporting over 100 local jobs.
Defence has secured a substantial settlement of more than
£24-billion over four years acknowledging the
responsibility and recognition the UK holds internationally
in the Defence realm. Through strategic and pivotal
investments, defence will be in a stronger position to
tackle challenge future threats whilst advancing UK
prosperity.
