British Jobs Boost Thanks To £40M Missile Deal

A number of highly skilled technology jobs have been protected across the country thanks to a £40 million contract to support the Royal Air Force’s air-to-air missile system.

The contract with MBDA, which designed and manufactured the Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), will provide support infrastructure and maintenance for the weapon for the next five years.

The deal will sustain multiple positions at the company’s factories in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Greater Manchester and Bedfordshire and will ensure the effectiveness of these highly agile air-to-air missiles which equip the UK’s Air Quick Reaction Alert aircraft, who are responsible for protecting UK airspace as well as on operations in the Gulf and Libya.

Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne MP said:

“This contract is more positive news for MBDA and the United Kingdom’s Complex Weapons sector. It will sustain a number of highly skilled jobs and is another example of the Ministry of Defence’s continuing commitment to British technology.

“ASRAAM continues to provide the Royal Air Force with crucial battle-winning capability for Within Visual Range combat missions. This contract will enable MBDA to maintain the skills required to ensure that the RAF continues to perform at its very best on operations.

Pictures: Crown Copyright 2008 / Ministry of Defence & MBDA Systems