Page 25 - Williams Foundation Integrated Force Design Seminar

Designing the Integrated Force: How to Define and Meet the Challenge?

Question: During the visit, we have been in the squadron building, the hangar and in the System Program Office
collocated with the squadron.

What advantages does that bring?

Group Captain Bellingham: “It facilitates a close working relationship between the combat force and the system
developers.

“We can share our combat experiences with the RAAF-industry team in the SPO and to shape a concrete way
ahead in terms of development.

“The team is very proactive in working collaboratively to get to the outcome we’re looking for.”

Finally, Andy Watson from MBDA missile systems focused on the evolving relationship between industry and
government, which has generated by the Team Complex Weapons approach of the British government.

According to MBDA:

Team Complex Weapons (Team CW) defines an approach to delivering the UK’s Complex Weapons (CW)
requirements in an affordable manner.

This value for money proposition also ensures a viable industrial capacity. The PMA aims to transform the way in
which CW business is conducted by MoD with its main supplier.

At the heart of this is a joint approach to the delivery of the required capability based on an open exchange of
information and flexibility in the means of delivery.

http://www.mbda-systems.com/about-us/mission-strategy/team-complex-weapons/

A recent example of the fruits of this approach was latest agreement reached between MBDA and the UK
government.

According to the British government:

Secretary of State, Sir Michael Fallon, has today (April 21, 2017) announced three new missile contracts worth a
combined £539 million for state-of-the-art Meteor, Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) and Sea Viper
missile systems at MBDA Stevenage.

The deal ensures our Armed Forces have the best equipment available to protect the new Queen Elizabeth Class
Carriers and the extended fleet from current and future threats.
The half a billion-pound contracts will sustain over 130 jobs with MBDA in the UK, with missile modification and
service support being carried out in Stevenage, Henlow, Bristol and Bolton.

Secretary of State, Sir Michael Fallon, said:

“This substantial investment in missile systems is vital in protecting our ships and planes from the most complex
global threats as our Armed Forces keep the UK safe.
“Backed by our rising Defence budget, these contracts will sustain high skilled jobs across the UK and demonstrate
that strong defence and a strong economy go hand in hand...”

Meanwhile, a £175 million in-service support contract for the anti-air Sea Viper weapon system will ensure that
the Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyers can continue to provide unparalleled protection from air attack to the

Page 24