MBDA and UK Renew $8 Billion Partnership for New Systems Including FC/ASW, Land Precision Strike, and Meteor Missile Evolution.

On July 22, 2024, MBDA and the UK Ministry of Defence renewed their strategic partnership on complex weapons for another decade under a renewed Portfolio Management Agreement (PMA). Known as PMA2 and valued at least £6.5 billion, the agreement aims to provide complex weapons to the UK Armed Forces more quickly, at lower cost, and with greater agility. This partnership will also support British jobs, skills, and industrial investment.
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In this illustration, below the F-35 at the top right, it looks like the future land-based precision strike missile is right next to the Aster 30. Fired from an M270, it is intended to deliver overwatch at super long range (Picture source: MBDA)

Eric Beranger, CEO of MBDA, emphasized that PMA2 highlights the innovative efforts of MBDA's team in supporting the UK, serving as a key national champion and a conduit for international cooperation. Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK, noted that renewing the partnership for another decade underscores MBDA's critical role in supporting UK defence. PMA2 builds on the past decade's successes, enhancing value, speed, and agility for the UK Armed Forces and fostering better collaboration with European allies.

The new agreement confirms MBDA as the preferred supplier of complex weapons for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is expected to generate an additional £2 billion in benefits and efficiencies while enhancing current capabilities. The new systems planned under this agreement include the Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW), Land Precision Strike, and the continued evolution of the Meteor missile.

The FC/ASW, currently being developed in collaboration with France, aims to replace existing missiles with enhanced precision strike capabilities against naval and land targets at long range. Scheduled to enter service in the 2030s, this system is designed to offer increased flexibility and effectiveness in modern threat environments, with advanced penetration capabilities and high accuracy.

The Land Precision Strike initiative aims to develop weapon systems capable of precise strikes against long-distance land targets. These systems, currently in development, are expected to enter service by the end of the decade and will enhance the precision strike capabilities of the British ground forces. The Meteor missile, already in service since 2016, continues to evolve with regular improvements to maintain its status as one of the world's most advanced long-range air-to-air missiles. Over 200 Meteor missiles are currently in service, equipping aircraft such as the Typhoon and F-35, offering extended range, high maneuverability, and the ability to neutralize targets beyond visual range.

The new systems planned under this agreement include the Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW), Land Precision Strike, and the continued evolution of the Meteor missile (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

PMA2 incorporates a decade of learning into the management of the complex weapons portfolio, including measures to enhance performance through improved commercial agreements, accelerated procurement processes, and continuous manufacturing. This approach ensures the industry remains ready to meet Defence demands.

The original PMA established a robust and innovative British industrial base, enabling the UK to respond to conflicts on its terms and achieving confirmed savings of £2.6 billion. The partnership also strengthened international collaborations, with UK exports growing 6.5 times since its inception. More than 5,500 people are employed at MBDA UK sites in Bolton, Lancashire, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, and Bristol, nearly doubling the workforce since 2010. MBDA's work supports thousands of additional jobs within the UK supply chain ecosystem.

The PMA model's value has allowed MBDA to invest over £550 million in the UK, including a new manufacturing site in Bolton. PMA2 will see an additional £500 million investment in British manufacturing and technologies. The contract was announced by the newly appointed Defence Secretary, John Healey, at the Farnborough International Air Show. Healey emphasized the importance of renewing partnerships with industry and continuing to push technological boundaries to drive prosperity and create skilled jobs across the country.

MBDA already produces complex weapons for the British Army, Royal Navy, and RAF. Recent deliveries include missile systems such as Storm Shadow, Brimstone, Meteor, ASRAAM, ASTER (Sea Viper), CAMM (Land/Sea Ceptor), and Sea Venom. Future programs in development at MBDA include SPEAR Cap 3, a future weapon for the F-35B Lightning II fighters, and the UK-French collaboration to develop Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapons (FC/ASW) for the Royal Navy and RAF.