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MBDA Strengthens Its Supremacy in Tactical Propulsion with Complete Acquisition of Roxel.
MBDA, a leading European defense company, has finalized the acquisition of Safran’s 50% stake in Roxel, strengthening its position in tactical propulsion. This transaction, completed on December 19, 2024, marks a key step in MBDA's strategy to enhance its industrial capabilities and address the growing demands of national and international defense markets. Roxel has now become a wholly-owned subsidiary of MBDA, opening new opportunities for both companies.
Despite the change in ownership, Roxel will maintain its operational independence, continuing to fulfill contracts with other system integrators and exploring new opportunities, particularly in export markets (Picture source: Roxel)
According to a statement from MBDA released on January 6, 2025, the acquisition aims to develop and expand Roxel's current and future capabilities during a period of significant growth and investment. Despite the change in ownership, Roxel will maintain its operational independence, continuing to fulfill contracts with other system integrators and exploring new opportunities, particularly in export markets. The acquisition is expected to accelerate Roxel's development, solidify its position as a global leader in tactical propulsion, and reinforce its role as a national asset in both France and the United Kingdom.
Éric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, highlighted that the acquisition will enhance collaboration and synergy between the two entities. He emphasized that the operation supports Roxel’s industrial and operational excellence while addressing the challenges of ramping up production in the context of a defense-driven economy, covering both development and manufacturing aspects.
Sylvie Grison, Executive Chair of Roxel, expressed confidence in the potential of this acquisition, citing its ability to drive innovation in solid propulsion technologies and optimize industrial cycles to achieve faster production scaling. She described the completion of the acquisition as a pivotal moment in Roxel’s development, enabling the company to strengthen its role within the defense industry.
Founded in 2003 through the merger of Celerg and Royal Ordnance Rocket Motors, Roxel is a Franco-British company specializing in solid propulsion systems for tactical and cruise missiles. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and supplies advanced propulsion systems to air, naval, and land forces worldwide. With four production sites – one in the United Kingdom, one in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and two in the Centre-Val de Loire region – along with offices near Paris, Roxel employs approximately 800 people and generates an average annual turnover of €200 million.
The acquisition of Roxel by MBDA represents a strategic milestone for both companies. It provides Roxel with the support and expertise necessary to advance its development and tackle challenges in a complex industrial and geopolitical environment. Simultaneously, MBDA enhances its capacity to meet the increasing needs of armed forces through close collaboration with a key player in the field of tactical propulsion, both in Europe and globally.