MISSILE manufacturers MBDA has has been awarded a contract to equip the UAE Navy with additional missiles.

The firm which has a base in Bolton will supply additional Marte MK2/N anti-ship missiles.

This follows the contract signed in February 2009 for the supply of Marte missiles.

Each high speed multi-role combat vessel will be equipped with four box launchers for MBDA Marte Mk 2/N guided missiles, able to strike targets at ranges in excess of 30 km, flying a fire-and-forget sea-skimming profile using mid-course inertial guidance and active radar homing.

Antoine Bouvier, CEO of MBDA, said: “I am delighted that the UAE has confirmed the trust placed in MBDA for its defence requirements. MBDA is one of the country’s leading defence suppliers and will continue to show our long-standing commitment and support for the UAE Armed Forces.2

Pasquale Di Bartolomeo, MBDA’s Executive Group Director Strategy and Managing Director of MBDA Italia, added: “This new contract reaffirms MBDA pre-eminence in the anti-ship sector and it is a clear proof of the technology leadership of the Marte missile family that, over the years, has continued to be competitive and able to respond to increasing customer requirements, thanks to its modular design.”

In November last year the Ministry of Defence has awarded the firm the £100 million contract to deliver the Sea Ceptor defensive missile for the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 Global Combat Ships. That announcement came just months after the firm was awarded the £184 million contract to ensure the UK’s new supersonic stealth combat aircraft will continue to be equipped with the latest air-to-air missile.

November’s agreement will safeguard 15 jobs locally.