MBDA Looks Outside Europe For Growth

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MBDA Looks Outside Europe For Growth

Speaking prior to the Paris Air Show, Antoine Bouvier, CEO of European missile house MBDA, said, “2012 was an excellent year in terms of performance but it was a year of contrast for order intake. It was our best ever year for export, but the domestic market fell short, especially in France.” Leading those good export figures was a sizeable sale of MICA air-to-air missiles to India to support a Mirage 2000 upgrade program.

India is one country that highlights a change for MBDA as the company looks increasingly outside Europe for business. “We will continue to adapt to decreasing budgets in Europe,” said Bouvier, “but there is a growing gap between Europe and the rest of the world.” The company also has an eye on the United States, but admits it is more difficult to grow its business there.

For 2013 MBDA has the key objectives of maintaining its performance and continuing to lead the missile segment in Europe, while at the same time securing key export orders, with India a high priority. With the MMRCA new fighter competition nearing finalization, MBDA can expect significant orders from India whatever the outcome of the fighter deal. Additionally, while there has been no official contract announcement, media reports suggest that MBDA’s ASRAAM missile was down-selected earlier this year in preference to the Rafael Python 5 to be part of India’s Jaguar upgrade program...

MBDA Looks Outside Europe For Growth | Aviation International News