The Filton, Bristol, plant of missile firm MBDA is to benefit from a £483m contract won by the European firm to develop a next generation naval air defence system for the Royal Navy.
The work, which will last around five years, will protect around 500 jobs split between Filton and sister plants in Stevenage and Bolton.
The Sea Ceptor missile system will replace the vertical launch Seawolf currently in service on the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates and will become the principal air defence system on the successor Type 26 Global Combat Ship.
It will enable frigates to fire missiles at multiple targets simultaneously, at up to three-times the speed of sound (Mach 3), protecting an area of around 500 square miles over land or sea.
Minister for defence equipment, support and technology Peter Luff visited MBDA’s Filton plant yesterday to discuss the contract with staff.
He said: “The development of this missile system is a huge boost to the UK’s world-leading missile industry and once again proves our commitment to providing battle-winning technology to our Armed Forces. The introduction of this cutting-edge missile system will not only ensure that the Royal Navy will be able to continue protecting our interests wherever they may be, but is also highly significant in sustaining and developing the UK’s skill in building complex weapons.”
MBDA executive group director technical and UK managing director Steve Wadey added: “This contract is important for a number of reasons. In the first instance it ensures that with Sea Ceptor the Royal Navy will have the best equipment to protect its ships and crews against the growing threat.
“The contract is also a powerful example of how industry and the MoD can deliver together an advanced capability that meets military needs in the most cost-effective manner. It is also a highly-significant step in advancing and sustaining the UK’s mastery of complex weapons technology. Importantly, Sea Ceptor, ideally suited to the Type 26 Global Combat Ship as well as a wide range of other vessels, is highly relevant to a number of navies around the world who are looking for a next generation naval air defence system capable of countering the growing future anti-ship threat.”
MBDA is jointly owned byUK defence giant BAE Systems (37.5%), Franco-German defence and aerospace group EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica of Italy (25%).
(25%).
