MBDA Stevenage Missile Production (e.g., SPEAR Missile System)
Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK · Ongoing (50+ years of expertise in missile systems; SPEAR contract in recent years) · £550 million (contract for SPEAR missile system from UK MoD); part of a larger €5 billion (approx. £4.3 billion) investment plan by MBDA over five years.
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchMBDA Stevenage is a key site for the development and production of advanced missile systems, contributing significantly to UK defense capabilities. - The contract for the SPEAR missile system highlights the ongoing investment in modern precision-guided weaponry. - The adoption of additive manufacturing for complex parts demonstrates innovation in production processes to enhance performance and reduce costs. - MBDA's continuous investment in its facilities and workforce underscores the long-term strategic importance of missile technology.
Key engineering challenges
Designing and producing highly complex and advanced missile systems that meet stringent performance and safety requirements. - Integrating cutting-edge technologies, including additive manufacturing for complex components, into missile production. - Managing the entire lifecycle of missile systems, from development and testing to production and in-service support. - Ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of missile systems in diverse operational environments.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- MBDA; UK Ministry of Defence (for SPEAR)
- Lead contractor
- MBDA
- Lead designers
- MBDA internal engineering teams
- Project type
- production | development | integration
- Scale
- Development, production, integration, and program management of missile systems; use of complex multifunctional additive manufactured parts.
- Disciplines
- aeronautical engineering; mechanical engineering; electrical engineering; systems engineering; software engineering; materials science; defence engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- Military defense standards (e.g., DEF STAN); relevant international missile technology regulations.
Sources: MBDA: MBDA, Excellence at your side (https://www.mbda-systems.com/) - MBDA: MBDA in the UK, Excellence at your side (https://www.mbda-systems.com/country-uk) - MBDA Inc.: UK Orders Production of MBDA’s SPEAR Mini-Cruise Missile (https://mbdainc.com/uk-orders-production-of-mbdas-spear-mini-cruise-missile/) - Breaking Defense: MBDA plans $5.8B investment in missile production as demand soars (https://breakingdefense.com/2026/03/mbda-plans-5-8b-investment-in-missile-production-as-demand-soars/) - Metal-AM.com: MBDA achieves missile system flight with complex multifunctional AM part (https://www.metal-am.com/mbda-achieves-missile-system-flight-with-complex-multifunctional-am-part/)