The deal ensures our Armed Forces have the best equipment
available to protect the new Queen Elizabeth Class
Carriers and the extended fleet from current and future
threats.
The half a billion-pound contracts will sustain over 130
jobs with MBDA in the UK, with missile modification and
service support being carried out in Stevenage, Henlow,
Bristol and Bolton.
Secretary of State, Sir , said:
This substantial investment in missile systems is vital
in protecting our ships and planes from the most
complex global threats as our Armed Forces keep the UK
safe.
Backed by our rising Defence budget, these contracts
will sustain high skilled jobs across the UK and
demonstrate that strong defence and a strong economy go
hand in hand.
As part of a £41 million contract, the Meteor air-to-air
missiles will arm the UK’s F-35B Lightning II squadrons.
It will provide the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy with a
world beating missile that can engage with targets moving
at huge speed and at a very long range. The weapon will
enter service on Typhoon with the RAF in 2018 and the
F-35B from 2024, and will be used on a range of missions
including protecting the Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers.
Meanwhile, a £175 million in-service support contract for
the anti-air Sea Viper weapon system will ensure that the
Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyers can continue to provide
unparalleled protection from air attack to the extended
fleet. Under the contract, the missiles will be
maintained, repaired and overhauled as and when required
to ensure continued capability. The Sea Viper missile
defends ships against multiple threats, including
missiles and fighter aircraft.
The final contract is a £323 million deal to purchase the
next batch of cutting-edge air defence missiles for the
British Army and Royal Navy, offering increased
capability at a lower cost. Designed and manufactured by
MBDA UK at sites in Bolton, Stevenage and Henlow, the
next-generation CAMM missile will provide the Armed
Forces with missiles for use on sea and on land. CAMM has
the capability to defend against anti-ship cruise
missiles, aircraft and other highly sophisticated
threats. Signalling our continued investment in Type 26
programme, CAMM will provide the anti-air defence
capability on the new Type 26 Frigates for the Royal Navy
and will also form part of the Sea Ceptor weapon system
on the Type 23 Frigate and will also enhance the British
Army’s Ground Based Air Defence capability by replacing
the in-service Rapier system.
Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Defence Equipment
and Support, the MOD’s procurement organisation, said:
Work on these cutting-edge missiles, which will help to
protect the UK at home and abroad and secure jobs
across the country, demonstrates the importance of
Defence investment. That is why, working closely with
our industry partners, we continue to drive innovation
and value into everything we do; securing next
generation equipment for our Armed Forces at the best
possible value for the taxpayer.
Dave Armstrong, Managing Director of MBDA UK, added:
MBDA is delighted by the continued trust placed in us
by the Ministry of Defence and the British military.
The contracts announced today for Meteor, CAMM and Sea
Viper will help protect all three UK Armed Services,
providing them with new cutting-edge capabilities and
ensuring their current systems remain relevant for the
future. They will also help to secure hundreds of
high-skilled people at MBDA UK and in the UK supply
chain, maintaining the UK’s manufacturing base and
providing us with a platform for exports.
