UKEF signs £4bn air defence deal with Poland

(Financial Times, London, 7 November 2024) Britain has agreed a £4bn air defence deal with Poland, the largest-ever export contract between the two countries, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The UK will equip Polish forces with a ground-based air defence system capable of countering threats such as cruise missiles and fighter jets at ranges of more than 40km. The system, known as the Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles — Extended Range or CAMM-ER, is manufactured by European missile maker MBDA. MBDA is owned by BAE Systems and Airbus, both with a 37.5 per cent stake, with Italy’s Leonardo holding the balance.