First firing of Sabre air defence system in UK as government places order
The system was tested during Formidable Shield 2025 earlier this year. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
The UK Government has awarded MBDA a £118 million (US$159 million) contract for six Land Ceptor air deployable medium-range air defence missile launchers which will form part of Sky Sabre ground-based air defence systems.
The contract award follows an announcement on 25 August of the first live firing on UK soil of the British Army’s Sky Sabre. The system successfully tracked, targeted and engaged QinetiQ’s Banshee Jet 80s and a Banshee Whirlwind aerial target as part of Formidable Shield 2025 (FS25).
This will double the number of deployable Sky Sabre systems operated by the armed forces, a move described by
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
Why bridging the gap between military and COTS systems is key to seamless defence comms (Studio)
Technology that enables armed forces to leverage existing network infrastructure can be a game-changer in many combat scenarios.
-
Europe’s future tank hits targets as MARTE programme gains momentum
An effort to develop a new European main battle tank has passed several milestones on the road to a Preliminary Design Review which is expected within two years.
-
UK MoD clears British Army’s Ajax saying “no safety concerns when operated properly”
The British Army’s Ajax armoured personnel carrier has a chequered history but hopes were high when Initial Operating Capability was declared last year. More problems saw operations suspended but the MoD reports it has identified the problems and short- and medium-term solutions.
-
Rheinmetall Nordic’s Ragnarok mortar upgrade shows strong integration potential
The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module has demonstrated its ability to quickly switch platforms, presenting scope for it to be employed for multiple requirements.
-
Land Rover retirement schedule puts pressure on British Army vehicle plans
The British Army’s plans to replace thousands of vehicles have been troubled with resets, delays and change. It is possible, however, that genuine progress is being achieved on two of the three segments in the programme.
-
Could an outdated US Army organic industrial base threaten US readiness?
The US Army’s organic industrial base still uses World War II production methods and technologies, leading to delays and cost overruns and limiting its ability to produce critical ammunition and maintain its ground fleet in operation.