UK Endorses MBDA’s Brimstone Missile for Future Power through 2030 and Beyond
UK Awards £400 Million Contract for Brimstone Missile Sustainment
The United Kingdom has committed £400 million to MBDA for the Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) aimed at extending the service life of the advanced Brimstone air-to-surface missile beyond 2030.
As part of this initiative, MBDA will produce new Brimstone missiles for the UK Armed Forces, ensuring the replenishment of inventory while maintaining the UK’s competitive edge on the battlefield.
The latest Brimstone missiles will feature enhanced functionalities derived from recent upgrades, aligning with UK operational requirements. Key improvements include a Dual Mode SAL/millimetric wave (mmW) seeker, advanced autopilot systems, and an innovative insensitive munitions-compliant rocket motor and warhead.
Additionally, this programme will implement significant updates in memory and processing capabilities, ensuring all functionalities of the Brimstone missile are effectively utilized and future-proofed. The CSP will establish a standard hardware baseline that can be evolved through software enhancements, leading to a unified stockpile of identical missiles suitable for fast jets, attack helicopters, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the UK Ministry of Defence. Notably, the CSP modes will include cockpit-selectable options, granting users straightforward access to the exceptional performance of Brimstone against challenging targets.
Chris Allam, MBDA Group Engineering Director and Managing Director of MBDA UK, expressed enthusiasm for the programme: “I am delighted that the UK has chosen to proceed with the Brimstone capability sustainment programme. This new investment by the UK underscores the unique and world-class capabilities offered by Brimstone. The CSP contract lays the groundwork for the ongoing sustainment and enhancement of Brimstone through 2030 and beyond.”
The Royal Air Force’s Typhoon fighter aircraft will deploy the Brimstone, with future plans for its integration on the RAF’s new Protector RPAS and the British Army’s Apache attack helicopters. Utilizing Brimstone across diverse platforms and services will deliver substantial logistical benefits and cost savings to the UK.
