UK, France partner on missile upgrade
A £146 million contract awarded to MBDA will see the UK's Storm Shadow and France's SCALP missiles updated to ensure they remain fit for purpose, the UK Ministry of Defence announced on 22 February.
Storm Shadow is a combat-proven, long-range, precision cruise missile in service with Royal Air Force Tornados.
The shared midlife refurbishment programme deal with MDBA will sustain the missile until its planned out of service date in 2032.
The French government will be updating its own similar SCALP missile; according to the MoD the collaboration will deliver £50 million in savings for both the UK and France.
The regeneration will consist of a midlife refurbishment of current missile parts including the turbo-jet engine, an upgrade of the navigational system, and a like for like replacement of items such as the cabling, seals and gaskets.
Tony Douglas, chief executive at the MoD's Defence Equipment and Support Organisation, said: 'The contract to regenerate Storm Shadow, a combat-proven, all-weather precision missile, provides a clear example of the MoD and UK industry working effectively together with our counterparts in France; providing our UK armed forces with the best equipment possible…'
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
