MBDA is a unique European multinational group, a world leader in complex weapons and a key player in the security of nations. Founded in the spirit of international cooperation, MBDA's more than 14,000 employees work together to support the national sovereignty of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and their allies.

An accelerator of innovation, MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and producing complex weapons to meet the full range of current and future operational requirements of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In the UK, MBDA's history dates back to the 1940s when one of its predecessor companies, Bolton-based De Havilland, was the first UK manufacturer to deliver an airto-air infrared homing missile in service with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Today, MBDA is a partner to the UK Ministry of Defence, with many significant programmes currently in service with the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. This work ensures that hundreds of millions of pounds are injected into supply chains, benefiting hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK. Overall, it helps to secure high-tech skills and jobs in the UK aerospace and defence sector.

MBDA employs nearly 5,000 people in the UK, including hundreds of apprentices and graduates, all pushing the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to develop cutting-edge solutions to protect the people protecting the nation.

The Bolton News: MBDA employs thousands of graduates and apprentices into the science, technology and engineering field to serve and protect the nation.MBDA employs thousands of graduates and apprentices into the science, technology and engineering field to serve and protect the nation. (Image: MBDA)

The company works hard to attract diverse talent. It builds inclusive teams that can draw on unique perspectives or expertise and continually improve and develop themselves and their work.

MBDA is proud to be an employer of choice, recognised by The Sunday Times' Best Places to Work 2023, Glassdoor.com Best Places to Work 2022 and Investors in People, to name but a few. The company's early career programmes - for apprentices and graduates - have won numerous national awards.

MBDA also has gold status as a member of The 5% Club for its ongoing commitment to workplace training. Engineering and manufacturing companies have a responsibility to help develop future STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) skills and talent pools in their wider communities.

MBDA works with many charities and educational institutions, with many employees supporting outreach programmes and a particular focus on encouraging more young women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds into STEM careers. As a defence company, MBDA supports the charities associated with the armed forces with which it works closely.

The company is also connected to the communities around its sites through its employees who live and work in the local area. It's why MBDA supports its employees through donations and sponsorships to local charities that employees know are helping those most in need.