NSS & SDSR 2015 highlighted importance of complex weapons to the UK
Copyright BAE Systems
The NSS & SDSR’s continued commitment to Franco-British defence cooperation is of particular strategic importance as both countries move towards closer alignment at an industrial level in complex weapons.
This beneficial relationship has equipped both countries with the most advanced missile systems in the world. Subsequently missile specialists MBDA - jointly held by Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%) - have said they will continue to work closely will both governments on their future systems.
MBDA said it is also encouraged by the identification of the valuable economic contribution that defence exports make to Britain's national prosperity. The support of the UK government is a vital factor in securing access to the global defence market and the introduction of cross-government strategies under the direction of the National Security Council, as well as making support for export a core MoD task, can only enhance MBDA’s opportunities in the international market.
“The NSS & SDSR 2015 has delivered a clear strategic direction that provides MBDA with assurance that both the complex weapons sector and our role in it remain crucial contributors to the Armed Forces, the defence of the UK and our relationship with key partner nations such as France,” said Dave Armstrong, MBDA’s Managing Director UK and Executive Group Technical Director. “MBDA’s missile systems deliver world leading military capabilities not found elsewhere and we will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Defence to ensure that the UK Armed Forces have the means to meet the complex and demanding operational environment identified by the NSS & SDSR.”