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A Queensland aerospace company has partnered with a leading missile and missile systems provider in support of Australian industry content (AIC) on a multibillion-dollar Defence project.
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Queensland's Ferra Engineering and European arms manufacturer MBDA have signed a memorandum of understanding in support of the AIC proposal for the $20 billion LAND 400 program, which will acquire and support the next generation of Australia's armoured fighting vehicles.
MBDA is hoping to provide its MMP missile solution for LAND 400 Phase 2 to the successful tenderer of the project – BAE Systems Australia or Rheinmetall.
Ferra Engineering managing director Mark Arthur said the aerospace and defence structures company is confident in securing a long-term partnership with MBDA.
"This is an exciting opportunity to develop a long-term partnership with MBDA, and we look forward to working with them into the future," Arthur said.
MBDA Australia managing director Andy Watson said the collaboration with Ferra Engineering will help bring its fifth generation technical capabilities to Australia.
"I am so pleased that MBDA has been able to partner with a great Queensland company like Ferra," Watson said.
"Our product for LAND 400, MMP, is the only fifth generation anti-tank guided weapon in production.
"MMP is the most advanced and lowest risk missile solution for LAND 400 Phase 2 and we are delighted to partner with Ferra Engineering to help bring MMP's technological and strategic benefits to Australia."
Watson said, in addressing the government's calls for AIC, MBDA hopes to see its MMP be the first missile built and further developed in Australia.
"MBDA's approach to Australian industrial content is based on two principles: ensuring the Commonwealth has the highest level of operational independence and sovereignty in its use of the missile and generating real opportunities for Australian industry," Watson said.
"Our vision is for MMP to become the first missile that is built, maintained and evolved in Australia."
MBDA added the MOU with Ferra Engineering is the first of a number of agreements in the works with Australian companies, with more to be announced over the coming weeks.
