UK to reach joint weapons agreement with France

French Minister for Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian visited London to reaffirm Anglo-French relations, including the establishment of an agreement to allow the sharing of certain technologies to advance the future generation of weapons developed by missile contractor MBDA.

The weapons involved include the helicopter launched anti-ship weapon, named Sea Venom and other future national and joint programmes to meet British and French military requirements.

The new Intergovernmental Agreement is expected to allow closer working and information sharing on MBDA’s missile technologies and provide necessary legal assurance to both governments on issues such as the protection of national data and security of supply.

Fallon said: “Our defence relationship with France continues to thrive. The joint development of next generation missiles is just the latest example of this.

“Sharing knowledge and information more deeply will help us develop better weapons more efficiently and keep both of our countries safe.”

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