Defense ministers from Britain and France inked a $183 million deal with MBDA Missile Systems to upgrade existing air-launched, long-range missiles.
Under the contract, MBDA will update the Storm Shadow missiles used by the U.K. Royal Air Force, and French armed forces. The agreement was signed by U.K. Defense Minister Harriett Baldwin and French counterpart Laurent Collet-Billon.
"Storm Shadow is a proven and vital missile for the RAF, and this 146 million pound upgrade will ensure it is always ready for whenever our Armed Forces might need it to defend our way of life," Baldwin said in a press release.
The British defense ministry went on to commend France as its most vital ally in Europe, noting the two countries contribute almost half of the continent's defense spending.
"This deep-strike missile mid-life update was jointly prepared. It represents a new step in the Franco-British cooperation roadmap and strengthens the Franco-British strategic partnership in the armament field," Collet-Billon added.
The Storm Shadow is designed to engage large structures such as buildings and military facilities, and is referred to as the SCALP missile by French defense officials.
Russia's Next Gen S-500 Prototype Launch Date Announced
The test unit of Russia's next-generation S-500 air defense system will be ready by 2020, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov told Sputnik. The S-500 Prometey, also known as 55R6M Triumfator-M, is a cutting-edge anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic missile system currently under development in Russia.
The S-500, designed by Almaz Antei, is said to have a range of 600 kilometers. The system ca … read more
