A major boost for the UK’s defence industry has been announced, with the news that manufacturer MBDA has been awarded three contracts worth a combined £539 million, which will sustain more than 130 jobs across the UK.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the contracts “demonstrate that a strong defence and a strong economy go hand in hand”.

The first of the new contracts will see MBDA (www.mbda-systems.com) manufacture Meteor air-to-air missiles for Britain’s new F-35 stealth fighter aircraft.

The second will see it maintain and overhaul the Royal Navy’s Sea Viper anti-air defence system. The third will involve the manufacture of the next batch of CAMM defence missiles at MBDA sites in Bolton, Stevenage and Henlow.

Sir Michael added: “This substantial investment in missile systems is vital to protect our ships and planes from the most complex global threats, as our armed forces keep the UK safe. These contracts will sustain high-skilled jobs across the UK.”

“MBDA — jointly owned by BAE Systems, Airbus and Leonardo — has 10,000 workers in six countries and an order book worth more than £13 billion.

“Dave Armstrong, managing director of its UK business, said the contracts will “help to secure hundreds of high-skill jobs at MBDA UK and in the UK supply chain, maintaining the UK’s manufacturing base and providing us with a platform for exports”.