MBDA to continue MCM- ITP programme work

MBDA will continue research and development work for the Materials and Components for Missiles - Innovation and Technology Partnership (MCM-ITP) programme, following the issue of new a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and French DGA.

The MCM-ITP programme is designed to enable technologies to be matured in the laboratory. Once validated, the technology can be integrated in technology demonstrators of missiles, equipment or missile systems, before being used by the armed forces in weapons which could enter into service during the next decade and beyond.

Under the business model, 50% of funding is contributed by industry, and over 100 industrial partners, SMEs, research centres and academia in France and the UK have entered the partnership over the last six years.

This second phase of the programme will see research and technology development in the defence sector continue under the programme through to 2015 and beyond.

Steve Wadey, executive group director technical and managing director UK, MBDA, said: ‘The principle of the MCM-ITP programme is unique in the defence sector allowing France and the UK to collaborate closely in their research and technology objectives. At its heart is the drive for innovation and we allocate 30% of the funds to SMEs and public and private laboratories. Preparing the right technologies for the future generation of missile systems with high levels of innovation provides a foundation for a competitive and integrated industrial base in France and the UK.’

MBDA and the MCM-ITP industrial consortium are now opening an annual call for research proposals during December 2013.