Britain and France are extending their funding for cooperative research into missile technologies under development.

The funding is for the Materials & Components for Missiles Innovation Technology Partnership, or MCM ITP, between the countries and industry partners, such as European missile-maker MBDA.

The program is to help the countries weapons capability, strengthen their technological bases. It presently manages research of more than 121 technologies and the new funding will allow the addition of more.

"We are glad to witness the UK and French governments' commitment extended over the next two years," said Mark Owen, the head of the MCM ITP Program. "The call for new project proposals is now open on the MCM ITP website and will close 30 November 2015. This gives the opportunity for UK/FR organizations to access this funding, with any projects that are approved starting in September 2016."

The annual budget of the organization is more than $14.1 million a year in combined government and industry contributions.