UK-French missile cooperation announced

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced Franco-British Centres of Excellence for missile technology in Stevenage and Bolton.

The Cross-Channel Centres of Excellence Strategy will allow Franco-British defence company MBDA to develop cutting-edge technology in the UK and France while increasing efficiency. The centres will support 400 skilled jobs at MBDA’s UK sites in Stevenage and Bolton.

Fallon said: “To keep Britain strong, it’s vital we develop mutual security through innovation and co-operation. By securing a rising defence budget, working with allies and investing in Centres of Excellence, we can keep Britain at the cutting-edge of technology.

“This Franco-British defence co-operation ensures high-skilled jobs through innovation and will help keep Britain safer and more secure.”

Harriett Baldwin, Minister for Defence Procurement, added: “The UK and France are the biggest European investors in equipment, and defence projects such as these Centres of Excellence will ensure we work effectively and innovatively with industry to secure the very best deal for the tax payer. The UK is investing £178 billion so that our Armed Forces have the equipment they need to keep Britain safe.”

Fallon’s visit followed the launch of the next phase of a £117 million joint Franco-British Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme. The MMCM programme will develop cutting edge maritime mine warfare capability, which will keep the UK and France at the forefront of autonomous systems technology.