Airbus joins UK efforts to defend against hypersonic threats
The UK's ballistic missile defences include the ship-launched Aster interceptor. (Photo: UK MoD)
Airbus will bring space sector and ISR experience to the UK MoD's centre of excellence for ballistic and hypersonic missile defence.
Airbus Defence and Space has become a partner in the UK MoD’s Missile Defence Centre (MDC).
The MDC, part of the Defence Science and Technology (DST) directorate, is a government-industry partnership designed to enhance opportunities relating to ballistic missile defence.
Since being established in 2003, its remit has expanded from countering traditional ballistic missiles to advanced missiles, including hypersonic threats.
Related Articles
UK orders more Airbus helicopters
Raytheon contracted for space-based hypersonic missile tracker
Patriot missile integration into Mk41 VLS boosts Aegis air defence capabilities
Markos Trichas, head of UK military space future programmes at Airbus Defence and Space, said: 'Airbus has been working closely with DSTL and Space Command on various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance "Protect and Defend" projects that could significantly enhance the UK’s capabilities in ballistic defence.'
The MoD's chief scientific adviser, Prof Dame Angela McLean, added: 'Airbus in the UK brings unique expertise to the table, helping strengthen the UK’s missile defence supplier base at a time when threats are developing more rapidly than ever.
“Airbus and our other industrial partners will ensure the MDC remains at the cutting-edge of missile defence science and technology as it seeks to deliver robust capability options for our armed forces.'
More from Land Warfare
-
![Finland signs deal for up to 161 CAVS armoured vehicles]()
Finland signs deal for up to 161 CAVS armoured vehicles
Finland has signed a firm contract for 91 Patria 6x6 Common Armoured Vehicle Systems (CAVS) vehicles, with an option to acquire 70 more.
-
![UK weighs up tracked and wheeled options for Mobile Fires Platform artillery programme]()
UK weighs up tracked and wheeled options for Mobile Fires Platform artillery programme
The business case for the British Army's Mobile Fires Platform artillery system will be submitted this summer with contenders including offerings from Hanwha, KMW, BAE Systems Bofors and Rheinmetall.
-
![Israel outlines next steps to improve its missile defence architecture]()
Israel outlines next steps to improve its missile defence architecture
The Israeli MoD is progressing with the Arrow 4 interceptor effort in addition to working on improvement of its in-service sensors, radars and C2 systems.
-
![Shoulder-fired anti-tank munitions create a decisive advantage in modern day conflicts (Sponsored)]()
Shoulder-fired anti-tank munitions create a decisive advantage in modern day conflicts (Sponsored)
Addressing the requirements for lightweight yet highly effective shoulder-fired munitions for small tactical units, Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) provides the combat proven RGW series.
-
![GM Defense, Black Sage partner up to add drone defences to military vehicles]()
GM Defense, Black Sage partner up to add drone defences to military vehicles
GM Defense has partnered with Black Sage Technologies to develop an integrated counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) capability for tactical military vehicles.
