Views: 7
BULGARIAN MILITARY
The UK has committed to continuous weapon production for the next ten years through a new deal with MBDA, known as the Portfolio Management Agreement 2 [PMA2]. This agreement was signed on July 22 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2024.
Valued at a minimum of £6.5 billion [$8.3 billion], PMA2 aims to supply the UK Armed Forces with advanced complex weapons more quickly, at a reduced cost, and with increased efficiency. Additionally, it is set to bolster British jobs, enhance skills, and drive industrial investment.
The PMA2 deal establishes MBDA as the Ministry of Defense’s go-to provider for complex weapons. This framework is expected to generate £2 billion [$2.6 billion] in additional benefits and efficiencies, advancing existing capabilities. Notably, the agreement will facilitate the development of new systems like the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon [FC/ASW], Land Precision Strike, and the ongoing enhancement of the Meteor missile system.
The PMA2 builds on a decade of experience, refining the management of complex weapon systems. It aims to boost performance through enhanced commercial partnerships, faster procurement processes, and the establishment of continuous manufacturing capabilities. This ensures the industry remains ready to meet defense demands at all times.
The first iteration of the PMA laid a robust foundation for the UK’s industrial defense sector. It empowered the UK to tackle conflicts independently while realizing confirmed savings of £2.6 billion [$3.3 billion]. Additionally, it strengthened international collaborations and boosted UK exports by 6.5 times.
The initial Portfolio Management Agreement [PMA] between MBDA and the UK Ministry of Defence was instrumental in developing cutting-edge weapon systems. A prime example is the Meteor missile, a beyond-visual-range, air-to-air missile lauded for its range, speed, and agility. This missile is a pivotal component of the UK’s air defense strategy.
Another significant weapon system developed under the Project Management Authority [PMA] is the Sea Ceptor. This advanced naval-air defense missile system is crafted to protect warships from a wide array of airborne threats, including combat aircraft and precision-guided munitions. It employs the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile [CAMM], which is known for its high maneuverability and precision.
The Brimstone missile is another notable creation from the PMA. Renowned for its precision, this strike missile can effectively engage both stationary and moving targets with remarkable accuracy. It has proven its worth across various combat scenarios, highlighting its versatility and efficiency in modern warfare.
Furthermore, the SPEAR [Selective Precision Effects At Range] missile family has emerged under the PMA. SPEAR 3, for example, is designed to equip the UK’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft with stand-off strike capabilities, allowing it to hit targets from a secure distance. This missile significantly enhances the UK’s ability to perform precision strikes in high-threat environments.
The Storm Shadow missile is a crucial asset provided under the PMA initiative. This air-launched, long-range cruise missile is crafted for deep penetration missions targeting high-value objectives. Integrated into platforms like the RAF’s Tornado and Typhoon aircraft, it grants the UK a significant strategic strike capability.
Currently, more than 5,500 individuals are employed at MBDA UK sites spread across the North-West, East, and South-West of England, nearly doubling the workforce since 2010. MBDA’s efforts also sustain thousands of additional jobs within its UK supply chain ecosystem. The PMA model’s value has enabled MBDA to invest over £550 million [$709 million] in the UK, including a new manufacturing facility in Bolton. With PMA2, MBDA plans an additional £500 million [$644 million] investment into British manufacturing and technologies.