MBDA has received a fresh order to supply the UK Royal Air Force with additional dual-mode seeker-equipped Brimstone air-to-surface missiles. The measure is intended to replenish stocks used by its Panavia Tornado GR4s over Afghanistan and Libya.
The deal was signed with the Ministry of Defence on 11 August, but announced by European missile manufacturer MBDA at the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition in London on 14 September.
Originally intended for use against targets such as armoured ground vehicles, the UK's Brimstone weapons were delivered equipped with a millimetre-wave radar seeker design incompatible with the rules of engagement established for current conflicts.
Developed under an urgent operational requirement deal, the dual-mode seeker modification first saw combat use in Afghanistan in 2008, bringing with it the required ability to positively identify targets.
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MBDA received a first replenishment contract in December 2010, to replace the seekers on 150 more missiles for the UK, and deliveries of this order started mid-2011.
"To achieve the demanding requirement to sustain simultaneous theatres of operation, MBDA demonstrated its ability to 'surge' supply when called upon," the company said.
"This ability to innovate, and then rally to the support of our domestic customer in their time of need, is intrinsic to the strong relationship we have developed under the portfolio management agreement we signed with the MoD in March 2010," said MBDA UK managing director Steve Wadey.
Use of the dual-mode Brimstone in Afghanistan and Libya has resulted in a mission success rate of more than 98%, MBDA said. The company identified targets engaged as including main battle tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, rocket-launcher-equipped pick-up trucks and even an antenna for a coastal radar battery.
"In Libya, state of the art precision weapons, such as Brimstone, have allowed NATO forces to prosecute a dynamic campaign within the terms of the UN resolution," UK defence secretary Dr Liam Fox said at the show on 13 September.
MBDA has cited "worldwide interest" in the dual-mode Brimstone design, with the MoD having previously named France and the USA as potential future buyers.
At DSEi, the company announced that the weapon could also potentially be adapted for launch from maritime platforms.
Separately, the UK is also looking to buy more Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to support RAF operations over Afghanistan and Libya.
"We have received a request for proposals from the MoD for Paveway IV replenishment, which we are responding to," said David Croft, business area manger, weapons, for UK-based Raytheon Systems.
The 226kg (500lb) Paveway IV provides the Panavia Tornado GR4 with an all-weather capability against ground targets.
Source: Flight International
