The UK Royal Air Force has received its first MBDA ASRAAM short-range missile, effectively marking the end to a dispute between the company and the Ministry of Defence.
In April 2001 the MoD told BAE Systems, an MBDA shareholder, to resolve the infared guided missile's problems (Flight International 17-23 April 2001). The MoD claimed the missile did not meet the performance requirements of the £823 million ($1.12 billion) contract. This was rejected by BAE, although it acknowledged that non-contract issues were being discussed.
The MoD says it has now received a clear plan for missile improvements and that the basic missile will become operational later this year. ASRAAM will become fully operational by the end of 2000 after software upgrades,. Missiles delivered from mid-year will have improved processors. RAF Panavia Tornado F3 squadrons have received training rounds and initial production- standard missiles.
ASRAAM's delays were partly development problems, but the in-service date also slipped as the aircraft earmarked to get the missile were not available. The weapon will also equip RAF BAE Systems Harrier GR7/9s, Eurofighters and Royal Navy BAE Sea Harrier FA2s.
Source: Flight International
