A Hampshire-based defence company has secured a £251 million missile contract with the Ministry of Defence.
Chemring Group PLC, based near Romsey, has announced the "strategically important" contract for its Roke unit with the UK Ministry of Defence.
The six-year deal will commence immediately.
The contract is part of the Science & Technology Oriented Research & development in Missile defence programme, known as Storm
It is reportedly aimed at providing security to the UK and its allies by means of ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
Michael Ord, the chief executive of Chemring, said: "We are delighted that Roke has been trusted to deliver Storm for the UK MDC.
"In today's complex and changing security environment, effective missile defence is crucial to protecting the UK's interests.
"This contract recognises Roke's heritage in helping customers solve complex problems and places Roke at the heart of the UK's missile defence research and development activities."
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