MBDA to destroy NATO munitions

Europe's multination defense company, MBDA, has been contracted by NATO to build a facility to destroy 36,000 complex munitions. Under the contract from the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency, MBDA will destroy more than 1,000 missiles; 22,000 M26 rockets -- each containing 644 sub-munitions -- and 13,000 155mm grenade shells, each containing 63 sub-munitions. The destruction will take place in central France, where MBDA will establish a plant for the project. The company, said building the munitions processing plant would cost about $16 million and that ESPLODENTI SABINO and AID in Italy and NAMMO in Norway would be part of the project, which will be completed before 2017. "The demilitarization of complex weapons has become a new strategic activity for MBDA," said MBDA Chief Executive Officer Antoine Bouvier. "The demilitarization of complex weapons has become a new strategic activity for MBDA. This fits in perfectly with our determination to establish close and sustainable partnerships with our domestic and export customers. These customers not only require guaranteed availability and sustained support for their equipment but also that we ensure the safe end of life disposal of their complex weapons as well." MBDA said the contract comes within the framework of the Oslo Convention, which requires all signatory countries to dispose of cluster munitions before 2018. MBDA is owned by BAE Systems, EADS and Finmeccanica.