UK Buys Six Land Ceptor Missile Launchers to Reinforce Air Defense
The UK Ministry of Defence has announced a 118-million-pound ($160-million) contract with MBDA for the purchase of six Land Ceptor air defense missile launchers.
The three-year contract covers a suite of supporting equipment, including 12 fire unit support vehicles for ammunition, eight baggage vehicles, and eight threat evaluation and weapon assignment systems.
A key element of the Sky Sabre system, the Land Ceptor can operate either as a standalone unit or as part of an integrated battlespace network.
It delivers rapid point and area defense for high-value assets using MBDA UK’s Common Anti-Air Modular missiles.
“Sky Sabre is a key capability for the British Army with its ability to intercept multiple targets simultaneously,” Head of Lethality and Protect-1 Air and Missile Defence Peter Mackay said.
“The Land Ceptor launcher element of this system delivers proven high accuracy and speed, and this announcement marks a significant increase in the UK Armed Forces’ ability to defend our nation and allies.”
Precise, Comprehensive System
Sky Sabre, which replaced the Rapier system, comprises a Giraffe Agile Multi-Beam 3D surveillance radar, a Battle Management and Intelligence command and control suite, and the Land Ceptor missile launcher.
It can intercept cruise missiles, drones, and aircraft with the precision to strike a “tennis-ball-sized object travelling at twice the speed of sound, while simultaneously guiding 24 missiles to intercept separate targets,” according to MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support.
The medium-range system recently proved its seamless interoperability with NATO’s integrated air and missile defense network during Exercise Formidable Shield in the Outer Hebrides, UK.
It has also been deployed to Poland under Operation Stifftail, strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.
Doubling Sky Sabre Numbers
To reinforce its air defenses, the UK is doubling its fleet of seven Sky Sabre systems, with two already deployed in the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.
Acknowledging the need to strengthen air defense, the UK government approved the Strategic Defence Review recommendations on June 2 to invest 1 billion pounds ($1.35 billion) in integrated air and missile defense.
“We are delivering on the Strategic Defence Review by equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art equipment to help keep us safe,” Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, said.
“Doubling our deployable Sky Sabre capability will strengthen the UK’s air defences, protect UK forces abroad, and deter our adversaries.”
Meanwhile, the latest contract will create up to 140 jobs across the UK, including at manufacturer MBDA’s sites in Bolton and Lancashire.
