RAF augments Brimstone missile stocks
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with MBDA to increase the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) Brimstone missile stocks. The £14 million contract, announced on 16 January, will see hundreds of the precision attack weapons delivered to replenish the weapons carried by RAF Tornado aircraft.
The Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone (DMSB) missile is used by RAF crews to engage moving or static targets at day or night with pin point accuracy. The weapon’s precision guidance capability means that the pilot is able to engage fleeting targets with extreme accuracy. The RAF deployed the Brimstone missile in Afghanistan and also in operations over Libya.
The contract was agreed by Defence Equipment Minister Philip Dunne following his return from a visit to Helmand where he met RAF personnel who use the weapon.
Dunne said of the contract: ‘Brimstone is an extremely effective and reliable weapons system for RAF crews and ISAF Commanders. This investment to replenish supplies used in Afghanistan and in Libya will ensure this capability continues to be available whilst also giving a boost to the UK defence industry’.
The contract for more Brimstone missiles follows the recent MoD announcement that it would buy more Paveway IV bombs from Raytheon as part of a £60 million contract.
More from Defence Notes
-
How UAE defence giant EDGE Group plans to double its exports
The UAE defence conglomerate has put an aggressive strategy in place to increase its share of exports while navigating the growing gap between East and West.
-
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?
Washington’s ageing inventory and the pace Moscow and Beijing have been modernising their capabilities put in check the US Nuclear deterrence.
-
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.