MBDA to provide Sea Ceptor for Type 26 Global Combat Ship

LONDON, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- The U.K. Ministry of Defense announced a $125 million deal Friday with MBDA Missile Systems to put the Sea Ceptor defense system on the new Type 26 Global Combat Ship.

Sea Ceptor will provide the navy with a shield against airborne threats, including next-generation supersonic anti-ship missiles, jets, helicopters and drones, the ministry said in a statement.

The demonstration and manufacture phase contract will also support extra design work and allow for the manufacture of equipment that will outfit the entire Type 26 fleet.

The contract is expected to sustain about 85 jobs across the United Kingdom, as well as several British companies in the supply chain.

Sea Ceptor has already been tapped by New Zealand's navy for use on their Anzac-class frigates.

The system will also be used on the navy's current Type 23 frigates, which are being phased out by the Type 26 ship.

The first three Type 23 vessels equipped Sea Ceptor will conduct sea trials through next year.

Sea Ceptor is due to enter service on Type 26 in the mid-2020s, and on Type 23 in 2017.

The news comes on the heels of an announcement Friday by BAE Systems that it will cut steel on the first Type 26 Global Combat Ships next summer.