UK Awards $690 Million Three Missile Contracts To MBDA

UK’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has awarded three new missile contracts worth £539 million ($690 million) for Meteor, Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) and Sea Viper missile systems from MBDA.

Secretary of State, Sir Michael Fallon, 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, UK MoD said in a statement Friday.

As part of a £41 million contract, the Meteor air-to-air missiles will arm the UK’s F-35B Lightning II squadrons of the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. 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. 

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 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 air defence missiles for the British Army and Royal Navy. 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.