LONDON — MBDA has secured the only major contract to come out of the DSEI show to date with a £300 million (US $463 million) deal to produce new advanced short-range air-to-air missiles (ASRAAM) used by Royal Air Force Typhoon combat jets.
The eight-year deal with the missile maker was announced during a speech at the DSEI show here by British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon on WednesdaySept 16.
Missile stocks will be refreshed with additional weapons and components enhanced as part of the agreement.
"Sustainment of the UK's short-range air-to-air capability is essential as it supports standing operational commitments such as the protection of UK airspace and any other air defense roles," said Air Marshal Simon Bollom, chief of materiel (air), at the MoD's Defence Equipment and Support organization.
ASRAAM is currently in-service on Typhoon and Tornado GR4 aircraft, and will be integrated onto the F-35 Lightning II in time for first aircraft delivery.
Email: achuter@defensenews.com
Andrew Chuter is the United Kingdom correspondent for Defense News.
