A FLAADS launcher prepares to launch a common anti-air modular missile during trials Photo:MBDA UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has award...
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| A FLAADS launcher prepares to launch a common anti-air modular missile during trials Photo:MBDA |
UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a £36M ($60 million) assessment phase contract to MBDA for the development of a Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) system under the Future Local Area Air Defence System program (FLAADS Land) for British Army.
FLAADS program is intended to deliver the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) based common weapon platform to equip Army, Air Force and Navy.
The Assessment Phase will demonstrate the adaptation and evolution of core weapon system subsystems. Over the next year, MBDA UK will assess exactly how the missile system would work and could be used by the army.
MBDA UK is already developing a similar system, known as Sea Ceptor, for Royal Navy, which consists MBDA’s Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) and its weapon command and control system, contracted for installation onto the Royal Navy’s (RN) Type 23 Frigates.
The CAMM missile travelling at 1 km per second will defend against a number of threats, including jets or cruise missiles travelling at supersonic speeds.
Following the assessment phase, decision to buy FLAADS as a replacement for the current Rapier ADS is expected to be made next year.
This assessment phase contract will sustain more than 90 highly-skilled jobs at MBDA’s sites in Stevenage and Bristol.
