MBDA UK
MBDA UK is the British division of MBDA, a multinational European group jointly owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, and support of complex weapon systems, including missiles for air, land, and sea applications.[1][2] Established as part of the 2001 formation of MBDA through the merger of missile activities from these parent companies, MBDA UK serves as a strategic partner to the UK Ministry of Defence, delivering operational advantages and maintaining national security independence via long-term portfolio agreements exceeding a decade.[3][2] Operating from key facilities in Stevenage for research and development, Bristol for engineering and business functions, and Bolton for advanced manufacturing, MBDA UK contributes to a global workforce of over 18,000 personnel across the MBDA group.[2] The division has been instrumental in developing prominent systems such as the ASRAAM air-to-air missile, CAMM family of air defence missiles, Storm Shadow cruise missile, and Brimstone precision strike weapon, which have enhanced the capabilities of UK and allied armed forces.[2] These efforts build on a rich UK heritage in guided weapons dating back to post-World War II innovations, including early surface-to-air missiles like Bloodhound and Thunderbird, evolving through mergers and international collaborations.[3] MBDA UK's commitments include participation in the UK Defence Growth Partnership, adherence to the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, and initiatives for workforce diversity, such as targeting 30% gender balance by 2030, alongside recognition as a gold-standard defence employer since 2018.[2] The division supports 90 armed forces worldwide with 45 in-service weapon systems, emphasizing innovation, reliability, and full lifecycle management to address evolving threats.[1]