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25/10/2018
Belfast Firm Secures £93m Defence Contract
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a new £93million contract with Belfast-based arms manufacturer Thales Air Defence.
The deal, which will help sustain around 100 jobs in east Belfast, will develop new missile systems for the British Army and Royal Marines.
The MoD said the project will provide modern enhancements to the high velocity and lightweight multi-role missile systems used by the armed forces.
The weapons are designed to provide rapid interception of a wide range of air and surface threats. The upgrades include thermal imaging to allow missile systems to be used for 24 hours a day, and 'Friend or Foe' identification, which will "maximise intelligence on potential threats and targets".
MoD minister Stuart Andrew said the contract should facilitate many more jobs in the supply chain, and enhance military protection for years to come.
"Defence investment benefits every corner of our United Kingdom and Northern Ireland is no exception."
He added that the partnership demonstrates the "ingenuity and skill" of the region's industry.
"In these uncertain times, it is crucial we protect ourselves from the rapidly evolving spectrum of global threats. These cutting-edge missile systems will fortify our military advantage over adversaries and help protect UK Armed Forces across the world and into the next decade."
(JG)
The deal, which will help sustain around 100 jobs in east Belfast, will develop new missile systems for the British Army and Royal Marines.
The MoD said the project will provide modern enhancements to the high velocity and lightweight multi-role missile systems used by the armed forces.
The weapons are designed to provide rapid interception of a wide range of air and surface threats. The upgrades include thermal imaging to allow missile systems to be used for 24 hours a day, and 'Friend or Foe' identification, which will "maximise intelligence on potential threats and targets".
MoD minister Stuart Andrew said the contract should facilitate many more jobs in the supply chain, and enhance military protection for years to come.
"Defence investment benefits every corner of our United Kingdom and Northern Ireland is no exception."
He added that the partnership demonstrates the "ingenuity and skill" of the region's industry.
"In these uncertain times, it is crucial we protect ourselves from the rapidly evolving spectrum of global threats. These cutting-edge missile systems will fortify our military advantage over adversaries and help protect UK Armed Forces across the world and into the next decade."
(JG)
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THALES Air Defence, formerly Shorts Missile Systems (SMS), has received a £66 million order from the UK Ministry of Defence that is expected to create around 30 jobs.
MOD PLACES £66M ORDER WITH THALES
THALES Air Defence, formerly Shorts Missile Systems (SMS), has received a £66 million order from the UK Ministry of Defence that is expected to create around 30 jobs.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Scattered showers of rain, sleet and, over hills, snow in the morning with sunny spells, the best of these in the south. The showers dying out this afternoon with increasing amounts of sunshine. Occasionally fresh westerly or northwesterly winds easing. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Clear start with a fairly widespread frost developing. Increasing cloud brings occasionally heavy rain overnight, preceded, especially over western hills, briefly by snow. Occasional southeasterly gales, severe near coasts, developing. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
