France, UK To Share Tech For Future MBDA Missiles

France and the UK have agreed to share technologies for future missile development by MBDA such as the helicopter-launched anti-ship weapon, the Sea Venom.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon today unveiled a new agreement with France that will help pave the way for the next generations of missiles, a UK MoD press release said. The technology sharing will also include future national and joint programmes to meet British and French military requirements over the next decade and beyond.

The new Intergovernmental Agreement builds on increasing collaboration in this area since 2010. It will allow closer working and information sharing on MBDA’s missile technologies while providing the necessary legal assurance to both governments on issues such as the protection of national data and security of supply.

“Our defence relationship with France continues to thrive. The joint development of next generation missiles is just the latest example of this. Sharing knowledge and information more deeply will help us develop better weapons more efficiently and keep both of our countries safe.” Michael Fallon said.

It follows work carried out by both countries with MBDA to create Centres of Excellence, consolidating their specialist design and engineering skills. Four of these centres are being established at first, for Weapon Controllers and Test Equipment in France, and for Datalinks and Actuators in the UK; another four, on complex warheads: guidance and navigation systems; algorithms; and software will follow.