UK to Double Sky Sabre Air Defence with £118 Million Land Ceptor Contract

London, August 2025 – The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced the purchase of six additional Land Ceptor surface-to-air missile systems, worth £118 million, in a move that will double the number of Sky Sabre systems available to the British Armed Forces. The deal, signed with European missile manufacturer MBDA, will provide a major boost to Britain’s homeland air defences and reinforce protection for UK forces deployed overseas.

Strengthening National and NATO Defence

The Land Ceptor is the launcher component of the Sky Sabre medium-range air defence system, which combines advanced radar, a battle management command-and-control system, and missile launchers into one integrated shield. The system is capable of tracking multiple targets and guiding 24 missiles simultaneously, intercepting threats that include enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and precision-guided munitions.

Sky Sabre has already proven its worth in NATO exercises, including the Formidable Shield missile defence exercise at the Outer Hebrides range, where it conducted its first live UK firing. The system has also been deployed in Poland under Operation Stifftail, providing additional reassurance on NATO’s eastern flank.

Precision and Cutting-Edge Technology

Sky Sabre is considered one of the most advanced air defence systems in Europe. Its key missile, the CAMM (Common Anti-Air Modular Missile), travels at supersonic speed and is so precise that it can strike a tennis ball-sized target travelling at twice the speed of sound. The system’s range of up to 25 kilometers and high mobility give the Army flexibility to defend both static bases and mobile units on deployment.

The addition of six more launchers will ensure the Army’s 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, which operates the system, can deliver a stronger and more sustainable air defence posture both in the UK and abroad.

Industrial and Economic Benefits

The £118 million contract is part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, which uses defence spending to fuel industrial growth. The deal will sustain up to 140 jobs across the UK, primarily at MBDA’s Bolton site in Lancashire, and support a network of domestic suppliers.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard MP emphasised, “Doubling our deployable Sky Sabre capability will strengthen the UK’s air defences, protect UK forces abroad, and deter our adversaries. Through this investment we are supporting over 100 jobs across the UK, with more to come. Defence is an engine for national prosperity as well as security.”

The Ministry of Defence also highlighted that defence spending currently supports 151,000 jobs across the country, marking a rise of 14,000 from the previous year.

Partnership Between Industry and Army

MBDA UK’s Managing Director, Chris Allam, described the contract as a milestone in the long-standing partnership between industry and the Armed Forces. “Land Ceptor is an excellent example of innovative capability produced here in the UK. Manufacturing these systems sustains not only jobs at Bolton but also critical skills across our supply chain. Importantly, it gives the Army decisive capability at scale.”

Lieutenant Colonel James Boutle, Commanding Officer of 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, underlined the operational importance: “Sky Sabre represents a step change in the UK’s ground-based air defence. It provides a powerful shield against modern airborne threats – from fast jets to precision-guided weapons and drones. Our close work with MBDA ensures the system remains at the cutting edge.”

The contract for six new Land Ceptor launchers will run over three years, with the systems expected to enter service progressively from late 2026. Once fully fielded, the British Army will operate a doubled Sky Sabre capability, giving the UK one of the most advanced and flexible air defence networks in Europe.

This acquisition is part of a broader Strategic Defence Review commitment, which includes up to £1 billion in new funding for homeland air and missile defence. As threats from drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons grow, the MoD views Sky Sabre as central to keeping the UK and its deployed forces safe.