The UK’s Ministry of Defence announced a significant investment of $514 million on Sunday for the enhancement of the Royal Navy’s missile defense capabilities.
The funds are allocated for the Sea Viper Air Defence system, specifically to upgrade its missiles with advanced warheads and software.
These enhancements are designed to improve the system’s ability to intercept ballistic missile threats.
The procurement contracts have been awarded to MBDA’s UK branch. MBDA is a joint venture involving major defense companies Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo.
This upgrade is a response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, as emphasized by UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps. He highlighted the importance of adapting to new threats to ensure the safety of the UK, its allies, and partners.
The Sea Viper system, a key component of the Royal Navy’s defense arsenal, has recently been employed in the Red Sea region to intercept hostile drones. This marks the Navy’s first active engagement of an aerial threat in over three decades.
The decision to upgrade follows recent incidents where US and British naval forces in the Red Sea countered drones and missiles launched by the Houthi movement in Yemen, amidst the wider Israel-Hamas conflict.
The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea is causing significant disruptions in the shipment of various products, ranging from coffee to fruits, and threatens to slow down the recent easing of food price inflation, providing much-needed relief to consumers worldwide.
To avoid attacks by the Houthi rebels in this vital waterway, food-laden ships are now navigating around Africa, leading to longer and costlier routes.
Unlike shipments of gas, oil, and consumer goods, the extended shipping duration poses a risk to perishable foods, making them potentially unsalable upon arrival.
This crisis is causing alarm within the industry. Italian exporters are particularly worried about perishable items like kiwi and citrus fruits spoiling en route.
