Operational success delivers further order for MBDA\'s DUAL MODE BRIMSTONE

 

The outstanding and unique capabilities of Dual Mode Brimstone (DM Brimstone), as the strike weapon of choice for the Royal Air Force (RAF), have resulted in an additional order for MBDA from the Ministry of Defence on the 11^th of August.

A first contract for additional DM Brimstones was placed on MBDA in December 2010 to replenish the original UOR stock. The onset of operations in Libya and ongoing

operations in Afghanistan saw increasing demand for the established DM Brimstone inventory. MBDA’s Lostock and Henlow facilities and their employees demonstrated flexibility and dedication to supply the Royal Air Force, and prove the military value of an indigenous industrial base developing for, and supporting, the UK Armed Forces.

To achieve the demanding requirement to sustain simultaneous theatres of operation, MBDA demonstrated its ability to ‘surge’ supply when called upon. MBDA’s UK production facilities started deliveries four months earlier and with 50% greater throughput than in the contract plan. In addition, throughput of missiles returned back to the operational theatres saw deliveries three times more than was planned in the same timeframe.

DM Brimstone has been used successfully against a variety of different targets in support of Operation ELLAMY and Operation HERRICK, providing precision effects combined with very low collateral damage, in line with restrictive Rules of Engagement, achieving greater than 98% mission success. Key targets have included Main Battle Tanks, Armoured Fighting Vehicles, Pick up Trucks with Rocket Launchers and Coastal Radar Antenna.

Commenting on the RAF's use of the Dual Mode Brimstone missile, Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox said:

"Dual Mode Brimstone has proved to be a critical weapon in our inventory and has allowed the RAF to deliver precision strikes in Afghanistan and Libya, taking out enemy targets while minimising civilian casualties. While British Forces have been performing at a very high standard on Op Ellamy and Op Herrick, industry back home have been equally impressive in providing the RAF with the support they need. The mix of Typhoon in the air to ground role along with Tornado and the availability of Dual Mode Brimstone have given us an unprecedented capability in protecting the Libyan people from Gaddafi's forces."

Commenting on the performance of DM Brimstone in operations over Libya, the RAF’s Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal North said:

“The effects have been remarkable, with Brimstone proving once again, as it has already demonstrated in Afghanistan, to be a unique munition capable of destroying manoeuvring targets; it is a highly accurate, lethal and a very low collateral damage weapon.”

Executive Group Director Technical and MBDA UK Managing Director Steve Wadey said:

“We are rightly proud of the efforts that our team here at MBDA have made in working tirelessly to ensure the maximum throughput of Dual Mode Brimstone to the RAF at this challenging time. Everyone here is conscious of the unmatched precise, proportional and extremely reliable capability that DM Brimstone provides the RAF and remains focused on ensuring that we continue to make that available to our Customer. This ability to innovate, as we have with DM Brimstone, 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 that we signed with the MOD in March 2010.”

Dual Mode Brimstone’s capabilities of precision attack with low collateral damage against manoeuvring or static targets are unmatched by other weapons and has generated worldwide interest by other leading militaries. Interest has included the weapon’s application to other platforms including ship launched applications.