RAF augments Brimstone missile stocks

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with MBDA to increase the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) Brimstone missile stocks. The £14 million contract, announced on 16 January, will see hundreds of the precision attack weapons delivered to replenish the weapons carried by RAF Tornado aircraft.

The Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone (DMSB) missile is used by RAF crews to engage moving or static targets at day or night with pin point accuracy. The weapon’s precision guidance capability means that the pilot is able to engage fleeting targets with extreme accuracy. The RAF deployed the Brimstone missile in Afghanistan and also in operations over Libya.

The contract was agreed by Defence Equipment Minister Philip Dunne following his return from a visit to Helmand where he met RAF personnel who use the weapon.

Dunne said of the contract: ‘Brimstone is an extremely effective and reliable weapons system for RAF crews and ISAF Commanders. This investment to replenish supplies used in Afghanistan and in Libya will ensure this capability continues to be available whilst also giving a boost to the UK defence industry’.
 
The contract for more Brimstone missiles follows the recent MoD announcement that it would buy more Paveway IV bombs from Raytheon as part of a £60 million contract.