MBDA, European champion and global player in the missile and missile system sector, achieved a turnover of 3 billion euros in 2012, equaling the figure recorded in 2011. Order intake at 2.3 billion euros as compared to 2.6 billion euros in 2011 turned out to be less satisfying despite the level of export orders which reached an unprecedented 1.4 billion euros. The order book, at 9.8 billion euros, continues to represent more than three years of business activity at current levels.

2012 was a year of contrasts for MBDA. Business performance concerning our principal programmes (Meteor, Aster, MdCN, etc.) was excellent, as was our responsiveness in supporting our customers, with several major milestones being achieved during the course of the year. However, domestic order intake was down, reflecting as it did the exceptional pressures exerted on the European economy as a whole.

“Our operational performance well illustrates MBDA’s ability to master the risks associated with our major programmes which are by and large carried out in cooperation,” commented Antoine Bouvier, CEO of MBDA. “Cooperation and our ability to manage all the technological and industrial aspects are MBDA’s main attributes which allow us to contribute to European national sovereignty and to supply critical military equipment. Nonetheless, we are very aware of the constraints imposed on our domestic customers by the budgetary crisis even though their strategic and capability issues have not diminished accordingly.

This is why MBDA takes its responsibilities as head of the complex weapon sector very seriously, making all the necessary efforts in partnership with its customers. We are adopting a global approach regarding the whole sector and all the programmes, both currently underway and those to come, incorporating an export perspective in order to create the conditions that are favourable to the launch of new programmes. These aspects are essential if we are to maintain sovereign capabilities within Europe and if we are to increase the export attractiveness and competitiveness of our missile systems and the platforms they equip, all the while remaining committed to the safeguard of highly qualified and non-transferable industrial jobs”.