France and the UK select MBDA for innovation partnership
MBDA gradually transform operational needs, industrial strategies, ideas, technologies and legacy products into a new solution that will provide real operational value to customers. (Image: MBDA)
MBDA will lead the new Complex Weapons Innovation Technology Partnership, which is a joint research enterprise by France and the UK.
MBDA has been awarded a contract by France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to lead the new Complex Weapons Innovation Technology Partnership (CW ITP).
The four-year contract follows on from the work of the Materials and Components for Missile Innovation Technology Partnership (MCM ITP).
The MCM ITP aimed to develop generation-after-next missile technology over the last 13 years.
The governments of France and the UK have shown a commitment to harness the opportunities innovation can present for the benefit of their Defence capabilities.
The CW ITP enables both countries to co-operate in that endeavour and solve the challenges future capabilities will need to overcome.
It will focus on five enduring technical areas: materials, structures and electronics; mission systems and algorithms; seekers; propulsion; and lethality.
MBDA will lead a group of French and UK companies to collaborate through ‘Dynamic Challenges’ that will look at technologies with applications across them and new potential technology areas.
MBDA is already currently working with Dstl on the Co-operative Strike Weapons Technology Demonstrator, to develop innovative new missile systems by 2023.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
