MBDA secures contracts to fortify Royal Navy's against ballistic threats

MBDA secures contracts to fortify Royal Navy's against ballistic threats
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Jan 23, 2024

The Royal Navy is set to significantly enhance its air defense capabilities with a recent GBP400 million investment in the Sea Viper principal area air defense system. This initiative, aimed at reinforcing the Type 45 destroyers, comes as part of a concerted effort to bolster naval defenses against evolving aerial threats, particularly anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs).

MBDA, a leading European defense contractor, has been awarded three contracts under the Sea Viper Evolution program. These contracts focus on two main objectives: upgrading the existing system to counter ASBMs and extending in-service support (ISS) for the Sea Viper system over the next five years. The move symbolizes a strategic advancement in the UK's maritime defense capabilities.

Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK, underscored the significance of these contracts, stating, "These contracts will make Sea Viper the most capable naval air defense system ever developed for the Royal Navy in our 60-year history as the Navy's primary air defense system supplier." He also highlighted the increased collaboration with France and Italy through MBDA's involvement in the Aster 30 Block 1 program, enhancing the UK's ability to neutralize ASBM threats.

At the heart of the Sea Viper Evolution is the upgrade of the Royal Navy's existing Aster 30 missiles. These missiles will be equipped with advanced Block 1 warheads, alongside new guidance and seeker software tailored to address the sophisticated anti-ship ballistic missile threats, while maintaining their premier anti-air warfare capability. Additionally, the Type 45's Sampson multi-function radar and combat management system will undergo significant upgrades to complement the missile enhancements.

This collaborative endeavor involves an integrated team from MBDA across the UK, France, and Italy, and also includes BAE Systems Maritime Services. Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems' Maritime Services business, expressed his enthusiasm about the project: "Our Radar business is excited to be working with MBDA on the Sea Viper Evolution upgrade to our SAMPSON Radar on board the UK's Type 45 Destroyers. This new capability will form a key element of the UK's Maritime Ballistic Missile Defence program."

The second phase of the Sea Viper Evolution project is set to further push the boundaries of naval defense technology. This phase involves an assessment phase exploring the integration of the new Aster 30 Block 1NT missile into the Type 45 destroyers. The aim is to provide unmatched capabilities against medium-range maneuvering and separating ballistic missiles, further enhancing the system's defensive reach.

In parallel, the extended ISS contract highlights MBDA's pioneering approach to maintaining optimal weapon readiness. This data-driven strategy ensures that the Royal Navy's arsenal is well-maintained and ready for deployment whenever required, emphasizing preparedness and reliability.