A computer-generated image of the new Sea Ceptor missile for use by the Royal Navy [Picture: Copyright MBDA Systems/MOD 2012] The £48...
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| A computer-generated image of the new Sea Ceptor missile for use by the Royal Navy [Picture: Copyright MBDA Systems/MOD 2012] |
The £483m contract to develop this cutting-edge air defence system - known as Sea Ceptor - is being awarded to UK industry.
The system uses a new UK-developed missile capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 3 and will have the ability to deal with multiple targets simultaneously, protecting an area of around 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometres) over land or sea.
Sea Ceptor will be developed under a demonstration contract with MBDA (UK) that is expected to last for five years.
Sea Ceptor has been designed for initial use on the Type 23 frigate to replace the Sea Wolf air defence system when it goes out of service in 2016 and it is planned that it will be used on the Type 26 Global Combat Ship. Its flexible design also means that it could in future be adapted for use by the Army and RAF.
