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.
More from Defence Notes
-
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
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
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.