New missile system can shoot down high-speed drones

A WESTCOUNTRY MP and Armed Forces minister has hailed new spending on air defence missile systems with the capability to shoot down cruise missiles and drones.

- HARRY TAYLOR

The Ministry of Defence has said the £118 million move will double the number of British-made Land Ceptor systems available to the British Army. It said they could be deployed both in the UK and overseas.

The new equipment will form part of Sky Sabre, a state-of-the-art defence system that can intercept munitions and aircraft. It replaced the previous Rapier system, which had run since the 1970s.

The MRAD (medium range air defence) system will be made by manufacturer MBDA in Bolton. The Government said 140 jobs will be supported by the move.

Defence minister Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: "We are delivering on the strategic defence review by equipping our armed forces with state-of-the art equipment to help keep us safe. Doubling our deployable Sky Sabre capability will strengthen the UK's air defences, protect UK forces abroad, and deter our adversaries.